"You may talk; — it is easy waiting for you."

"Query, how that would give me a right to talk," said Winthrop turning over a leaf; — "supposing it to be a fact; of which I have some doubts."

"What have you been doing all to-day?"

"The usual routine — which after all is but preparing to do."

"What has been the routine to-day?"

"You saw my breakfast and saw me get it. — Then I went out. —
Then I read, according to custom."

"What?"

"Classics."

"Do you!"

"For awhile. The rest of the morning between engrossing deeds and the Record Office. First half of the afternoon, or rather a larger proportion, ditto; the rest to meet my friends Messrs. Jones and Satterthwaite."