Talk began to range over very various topics, Waymark leading the way, his visitor only gradually venturing to take the initiative.

Theatres were mentioned, but Julian knew little of them; recent books, but with these he had small acquaintance; politics, but in these he had clearly no interest.
"That's a point of contact, at all events," exclaimed Waymark.

"I detest the very name of Parliament, and could as soon read Todhunter on Conic Sections as the reports of a debate.

Perhaps you're a mathematician ?" This with a smile.
"By no means," was the reply.

"In fact," Casti went on, "I'm afraid you begin to think my interests are very narrow indeed.