'
Alfred Waltham, who knew the house perfectly, led his mother to
inspect the stables, Mutimer remaining with Adela in the
drawing-room.
'You've been very quiet all dinner-time,' he said, taking a seat
near her and bending forward.
'A little, perhaps. I am thinking of so many things.'
'What are they, I wonder?'
'Will you let me have some books about Socialism, and the other
questions in which you are interested?'
'I should think I will! You really mean to study these things?'
'Yes, I will read and think about them. And I shall be glad if you
will explain to me more about the works. I have never quite
understood all that you wish to do. Perhaps you will have time when
you come to see us some evening.'
'Well, if I haven't time, I'll make it,' said Richard, laughing.
'You can't think how glad I am to hear you say this.'
'When do you expect your sister?'
'On Tuesday; at least, I hope it won't be later. I'm sure you'll
like her, you can't help. She hasn't such looks as you have, you
know, but we've always thought her very fair-looking. What do you
think we often call her? The Princess! That's part because of her
name, Alice Maud, and part from a sort of way she's always had. Not
a flighty way, but a sort of--well, I can't describe it. I do hope
you'll like her.
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