I noted this as I stole an occasional glance at her or turned to answer some remark addressed to me; and I noted, too, that her speech, despite a general undertone of depression, was yet not without a certain caustic, ironical humour.

She was certainly a rather enigmatical young person, but very decidedly interesting.
When she had finished her repast she put aside the tray and, opening the shabby handbag, asked: "Do you take any interest in Egyptian history?
We are as mad as hatters on the subject.

It seems to be a family complaint." "I don't know much about it," I answered.

"Medical studies are rather engrossing and don't leave much time for general reading." "Naturally," she said.

"You can't specialise in everything.