"Anything, that will fit him for service, or help him in it."
"But for instance. I am very fond of fancy work," said Rotha.
"Useless fancy work?"
"I am afraid you would call it so."
"Never mind what I call it," said Mr. Southwode, laughing a little; for Rotha's frankness and directness were delightful;—"I am not skilled in fancy work, and I speak in ignorance. What do you call it?"
"Some of it is not of any use," Rotha said thoughtfully; "it is just a putting together of lovely colours. Of course, people must have mats and rugs and cushions and things; and it is pretty work to make them; but they could be bought cheaper, what would do just as well."
"Then the question rises, in view of all these pretty things,—Is it the best use I can make of my time and my money?"
Rotha's fingers drummed upon the table.
"But one must have amusement," she said. "One cannot be always studying."
"Quite true. The question remains, whether this is the best amusement to be had."