She found courage to say: 'Could you spare that book, Mr.Grail?
Could you lend it me for a day or two?
I'd be very careful with it.' 'I shall be very glad to lend it you,' Gilbert answered.

His voice changed somehow from that in which he usually spoke.
She received it from him and held it on her lap with both hands.

She would not look into it till alone in her room; and, having secured it, she did not wish to stay longer.
'Going already ?' Mrs.Grail said, seeing her rise.
'Lyddy 'll be back very soon,' was the reply.

'I think I'd better go now.' She shook hands with both of them, and they heard her run up the thin-carpeted stairs.
Mother and son sat in silence for some minutes.

Gilbert had taken another book, and seemed to be absorbed in it; Mrs.Grail had a face of meditation.