She was not smiling when she answered.
'Thank you.

I have more books than I can possibly read.' 'Yes.

But you have not the one I will give you, and it happens to be the only one you want.' 'But I don't want any book at all! I don't want to read!' 'Yes, you do, Madame Cordova.

You want to read this one, and it's the only copy on board, and if you'll take a little walk with me I'll give it to you.' As he spoke he very slowly drew a new book from the depths of the wide pocket in his overcoat, but only far enough to show Margaret the first words of the title, and he kept his aggressive blue eyes fixed on her face.

A faint blush came into her cheeks at once and he let the volume slip back.