As they went across the fields beneath the now cloudy sky, he tried to keep the conversation at the same light level; but although Toni strove to adapt herself to his mood, it was evident that her thoughts were still circling round the revelation which had shattered her fairy castle; and just as the chimneys of Greenriver came in sight above the tall tree-tops, she asked him a question which had been formulating in her mind throughout the walk homewards. "Mr. Herrick, do you think I could improve myself somehow--I mean could I read some books, or do something to make myself a more suitable wife for Owen? You know"--she caught her breath--"I can't bear for him to be ashamed of me, or bored with me--and they said--those women, that he was both." For a second Herrick thought of treating the matter lightly, assuring her that what the women had said was of no importance whatever. Then he knew there was only one course open to him, and he met sincerity with sincerity, candour with candour. "It would be very easy for you to do a little reading," he said quietly. "Of course a literary man like Mr. Rose forgets that everyone has not his fine taste in books; and on the other hand, it is very easy to acquire a liking for poor stuff. But there are lots of authors who would delight you with their books, and if I can give you any help I shall be charmed to make you out a list." "Will you?" Her eyes lighted up for a second. "There are hundreds of books in the house--the library is supposed to be rather remarkable, you know, and I expect lots of the books you mean are there." "I've no doubt of it." He remembered hearing of the unique collection which Greenriver housed. "Tell me what sort of books you like? Travel, history, romance--what?" The light died out of her eyes. "I don't know." Her voice sounded flat. "I don't think I like anything much--except stories. Novels, I mean," she added hastily. "Well, there are plenty of very fine novels," he said cheerily. "And no one need be ashamed of liking that form of story-telling. I always fail to understand the attitude of the person who says 'I _never_ read novels!' as though he were claiming a tremendous superiority, whereas he's only showing himself a narrow-minded and unimaginative person!" "But reading novels won't make me clever?" said Toni rather wistfully. "Well, probably not, if you read nothing else," he owned. "But there is plenty more stuff for you to read. What about poetry?" She shook her head. "Well, you'll soon get to like it," he said smiling. "You needn't flesh your maiden sword in Browning, you know. Anyway, I will send you a list, shall I?--of books that I think you'll like. Can you read French?" Blushing, she confessed her inability to do more than recognize a French quotation here and there; and a new thought filled her mind. "Do you think if I were to study French, Mr. Herrick? I've got all my old books, and I could do an exercise every day."