Thyrza

h his natural directness. ' I'm afraid so, sir.' ' He has lost his interest in the subject ?' ' It's not exactly the bent of his mind. He only came at my persuasion, to begin with. He takes more to science than literature.' ' Ah, I should have thought that. But I wish he could have still spared me the two hours a week. I felt much interest in him; it's a disappointment to lose him so unexpectedly. I'm sure he has a head for our matters as we1! as for science.' Grail was about to speak, but checked himself. An inquiring glance persuaded him to say: ' He's much taken up with politics just now. They don't leave the mind very quiet.' ' Politics ? I regret more than ever that he's gone.' Egremont moved away from the desk at which he had been standing, and seated himself on the end of a bench which came out opposite the fire-place. ' Come and sit down for a minute, will you, Mr Grail ?' he said. Gilbert silently took possession of the end of the next bench. ' Is there no persuading him back ? Do you think he would come and have a talk with me ? I do wish he would; I believe we could understand each other. You see him occasionally ?' ' Every day. We work together.' ' Would you ask him to come and have a chat with me here some evening ?' ' I shall be glad to, sir.' ' Pray persuade him to. Any evening he likes. Perhaps next Sunday after the lecture would do ? Tell him to bring his pipe and have a smoke with me here befo...