But what nonsense it is even to talk of such things; I am quite alone, except for my grandfather and Lala Roy." "And they are old," murmured Arnold.
"Do not look at me with such pity," said the girl.

"I am very happy.

I have my own occupation; I am independent; I have my work to fill my mind; and I have these two old gentlemen to care for and think of.

They have taken so much care of me that I ought to think of nothing else but their comfort; and then there are the books down-stairs--thousands of beautiful old books always within my reach." "But you must have some companions, if only to talk and walk with." "Why, the books are my companions; and then Lala Roy goes for walks with me; and as for talking, I think it is much more pleasant to think." "Where do you walk ?" "There is Battersea Park; there are the squares; and if you take an omnibus, there are the Gardens and Hyde Park." "But never alone, Iris ?" "Oh, yes, I am often alone.

Why not ?" "I suppose," said Arnold, shirking the question, because this is a civilized country, and in fact, why not?
"I suppose that it is your work which keeps you from feeling life dull and monotonous." "No life," she said, looking as wise as Newton, if Newton was ever young and handsome--"no life can be dull when one is thinking about mathematics all day.