'I mustn't waste your time.' He rose, but Gilbert said: 'I should be glad if you could stay a few minutes.

Perhaps you haven't time ?' 'Oh yes.

What are you busy with ?' Half an hour's talk followed, of course mainly of books.

Egremont looked over the volumes on the shelves; those who love such topics will know how readily gossip spun itself from that centre.

He was pleased with Grail's home; it was very much as he had liked to picture it since he had known that Gilbert lived with his mother.