I have the company of my books." "Are your books the companions that you like best ?" "I have been true to those companions, Miss Eyrecourt, for many years.
If the doctors are to be believed, my books have not treated me very well in return.

They have broken down my health, and have made me, I am afraid, a very unsocial man." He seemed about to say more, and suddenly checked the impulse.

"Why am I talking of myself ?" he resumed with a smile.

"I never do it at other times.

Is this another result of your influence over me ?" He put the question with an assumed gayety.