Another pause, during which Gervase threw a lump of wood on the grate. Madeline went on reading, apparently oblivious of his presence.
"I can't understand how people can become so lost in a book," Gervase said, a little petulantly.
"No?"
"No, I can't. It's beyond me."
"Do you never read?"
"Sometimes, but not often. I've too much else to do. Besides, doesn't the Bible say that much reading is a weariness to the flesh?"
"Does it?"
"I don't know; but I've heard it somewhere, and it's true."
"You've proved it?"
"Over and over again."