awful.
Twice, thrice I think, have I at moments like this one snatched myself
from pressure; but there's no finding the old demon at any earthly hour.
When do YOU go--or does he only come here? Of course I see you've got
the place arranged for him. When I asked at his hotel at what hour he
ever IS in, blest if the fellow didn't say 'very often, sir, about ten!'
And when I said 'Ten P. M.?' he quite laughed at my innocence over a
person of such habits. What ARE his habits then now, and what are you
putting him up to? Seriously," Vanderbank pursued, "I AM awfully sorry
and I wonder if, the first time you've a chance, you'd kindly tell him
you've heard me say so and that I mean yet to run him to earth. The same
really with the dear Mitchys. I didn't somehow, the other night, in such
a lot of people, get at them. But I sat opposite to Aggie all through
dinner, and that puts me in mind. I should like volumes from you about
Aggie, please. It's too revolting of me not to go to see her. But every
one knows I'm busy. We're up to our necks!"

"I can't tell you," said Nanda, "how kind I think it of you to have
found, with all you have to do, a moment for THIS. But please, without
delay, let me tell you--!"

Practically, however, he would let her tell him nothing; his almost
aggressive friendly optimism clung so to references of short range.
"Don't mention it, please. It's too charming of you to squeeze me in. To
see YOU moreover does me good. Quite distinct good. And your writing me
touched me--oh but really. There were all sorts of old things in it."
Then he broke out once more on her books, one of which for some minutes
past he had held in his hand. "I see you go in for sets--and, my dear
child, upon my word, I see, BIG sets. What's this?--'Vol. 23: The
British Poets.' Vol. 23 is delightful--do tell me about Vol. 23. Are
you doing much in the British Poets? But when the deuce, you wonderful
being, do you find time to read? _I_ don't find any--it's too hideous.
One relapses in London into such illiteracy and barbarism. I have to
keep up a false glitter to hide in conversation my rapidly increasing
ignorance: I should be so ashamed after all to see other people NOT
shocked by it. But teach me, teach me!" he gaily went on.

"The British Poets," Nanda immediately answered, "were given me by Mr.
Longdon, who has given me all the good books I have except a few--those
in that top row--that have been given me at different times by Mr.