"I have enjoyed the drive. One sees so much that is new, and is food for thought, only the mind gets wearied with such swift variety."
He was silent for some time, then, with a complete change of topic he said,
"I have been glad to hear you practicing so industriously on the piano. Some day you may have a more appreciative audience than Mrs. Flaxman and myself."
"It has helped to occupy my time. I do not know that much else has been accomplished."
"That is not a very wise reason for so occupying your time."
"One must get through it some way. In pleasant weather, getting acquainted with nature, in field and garden and by the seashore, was my favorite pastime."
"It is an indolent way to seek the acquaintance of so profound a mistress:—merely sunning one's self under the trees, or listening to the monotonous voice of the sea, sitting on the rocks."
"In what better way could I discover her secrets?"
"Following in the steps of those who have made her in her varying forms a life long study, and who have embalmed their discoveries in books."
"But I am young yet, and I need first to discover if I have tastes for such pursuits."