"
When he was tired of being read to, she talked to him in a manner that
would have astonished the Disagreeable Man: not of books, nor learning,
but of people she had met and of Places she had seen; and there was fun
in everything she said. She knew London well, and she could tell him
about the Jewish and the Chinese quarters, and about her adventures in
company with a man who took her here, there, and everywhere.
She made him some tea, and she cheered the poor fellow as he had not
been cheered for months.
"You're just a little brick," he said, when she was leaving. Then once
more he added eagerly:
"And you're not to be paid, are you?"
"Not a single _sou_!" she laughed. "What a strange idea of yours!"
"You are not offended?" he said anxiously. "But you can't think what a
difference it makes to me. You are not offended?"
"Not in the least!" she answered. "I know quite well how you mean it.
You want a little kindness with nothing at the back of it. Now,
good-bye!"
He called her when she was outside the door.
"I say, will you come again soon?"
"Yes, I will come to-morrow."
"Do you know you've been a little brick. I hope I haven't tired you.
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