He drew in his lips when he spoke, like one in pain, and his blue eyes—they were so dark as to be purple in some lights—went out far away, as if looking into the past.
"We were too closely superintended to admit of our reading any books, unless by permission; as to novels, the Miss Barlieus would have been in fits at the thought. And since I left them I have been too fully occupied to read for recreation. This is the first leisure time I have had for nearly as long as I can remember."
"Indeed! It must seem strange to you."
"So strange, sir, that I am not sure whether I like it or not."
Mr. Chandos laughed. "Did you visit much, when you were at Nulle?"
"No sir. I had not a friend in the town. Towards the last, Miss Annette would sometimes take me when she went out to spend the evening."
"Will you allow me to direct your reading, Miss Hereford?" he returned, after a pause.
"Oh, sir, if you would!" I answered eagerly. "For in truth that library seems to me like a wild sea, with its multitude of books."
"Yes; and a young lady might get amidst shoals; for all the books are not equally worthy!"
"Perhaps, sir, you will look out a few and give to me."