Matilda found the second chapter of Acts and handed it to him. She thought her own words were best to be few. David looked unwillingly at her book, but however took it, sat down, and under the light of the gas burner began to read. Matilda could not help furtively watching him, and it almost frightened her; the changes in the boy's face were so quick and strong. He read like one reading for his life; he never knew that Matilda was watching him; his eyes seemed to pierce the book like steel lances; and through his parted lips the breath came and went hurriedly. Matilda thought he never would get through the chapter, he was so long over it.
"May I keep this a day or two?" he said at last. Matilda joyfully assented.
"I wish I had some one to talk with about this," he said; "somebody who could answer me, or who could not answer me."
"Your uncles?" Matilda suggested.
"They would only silence me."
"I wish you could see Mr. Richmond."
"Who's he?"
"He's a friend of mine, and O, the pleasantest and the nicest man! and he can answer anybody."
"Can he?" said David half smiling. "Where does he live?"
"Up in Shadywalk. I wish you could see him. He could tell you just everything, and I cannot."