“Well, I haven’t got very far in the book yet, but it seems to have happened quite recently, within a year or two, I think. It is one of the latest of Mr. James’s short stories. I have not read it yet.” “Ah, then the siege is not historical?” “Not historical further than Mr. James is the historian.” “Now, Miss Earle, are you good at reading out loud?” “No, I am not.” “Why, how decisively you say that. I couldn’t answer like that, because I don’t know whether I am or not. I have never tried any of it. But if you will allow me, I will read that book out to you. I should like to have the good points indicated to me, and also the defects.” “There are not likely to be many defects,” said the young lady. “Mr. James is a very correct writer. But I do not care either to read aloud or have a book read to me. Besides, we disturb the conversation or the reading of any one else who happens to sit near us. I prefer to enjoy a book by reading it myself.” “Ah, I see you are resolved cruelly to shut me out of all participation in your enjoyment.” “Oh, not at all. I shall be very happy to discuss the book with you afterwards. You should read it for yourself. Then, when you have done so, we might have a talk on its merits or demerits, if you think, after you have read it, that it has any.” “Any what? merits or demerits?” “Well, any either.” “No; I will tell you a better plan than that. I am not going to waste my time reading it.” “Waste, indeed!” “Certainly waste. Not when I have a much better plan of finding out what is in the book. I am going to get you to tell me the story after you have read it.” “Oh, indeed, and suppose I refuse?” “Will you?” “Well, I don’t know. I only said suppose.” “Then I shall spend the rest of the voyage trying to persuade you.” “I am not very easily persuaded, Mr. Morris.” “I believe that,” said the young man. “I presume I may sit beside you while you are reading your book?” “You certainly may, if you wish to. The deck is not mine, only that portion of it, I suppose, which I occupy with the steamer chair. I have no authority over any of the rest.” “Now, is that a refusal or an acceptance?” “It is which ever you choose to think.” “Well, if it is a refusal, it is probably softening down the _No_, but if it is an acceptance it is rather an ungracious one, it seems to me.” “Well, then, I shall be frank with you. I am very much interested in this book. I should a great deal rather read it than talk to you.” “Oh, thank you, Miss Earle. There can be no possible doubt about your meaning now.” “Well, I am glad of that, Mr. Morris. I am always pleased to think that I can speak in such a way as not to be misunderstood.” “I don’t see any possible way of misunderstanding that. I wish I did.” “And then, after lunch,” said the young lady, “I think I shall finish the book before that time;—if you care to sit beside me or to walk the deck with me, I shall be very glad to tell you the story.”