
    »You know it has always been my grief that you put them to no use.«
    »Very well. But it remains for you to learn what my powers really are, and
to bring yourself to sympathize with my direction. You are a child - there is my
hope. You shall be taught - yes, yes! Your obstinacy shall be overcome; you
shall be made to see your own good!«
    »And who is to be so kind as to take charge of my education?« Miriam asked,
without looking at him, in an idly contemptuous tone.
    »Why not old Mallard?« cried Reuben, breaking suddenly into jest. »The
tutorship of children is in his line.«
    Miriam showed herself offended.
    »Please don't speak of me. I am willing to hear what you purpose for
yourself, but don't mix my name with it.«
    Elgar resumed the tone of ambition. Whether he had in truth definite
literary schemes could not be gathered from the rhetoric on which he was borne.
His main conviction seemed to be that he embodied the spirit of his time, and
would ere long achieve a work of notable significance, the fruit of all his
experiences. Miriam, though with no sign of strong interest, gave him her full
attention.
    »Do you intend to work here?« she asked at length.
    »I can't say. At present I am anything but well, and I shall get what
benefit I can from Naples first of all. I suppose the sun will shine again
before long? This sky is depressing.«
    He stood up, and went to the windows; then came back with uncertain step.
    »You'll tell the Spences I've been?«
    »I think I had better. They will know, of course, that I have had a
visitor.«
    »Should I see them?« he asked, with hesitation.
    »Just as you please.«
    »I shall have to, sooner or later. Why not now?«
    Miriam pondered.
    »I'll go and see if they are at leisure.«
    During her absence, Elgar examined the books on the table. He turned over
each one with angry mutterings. The chapel plans were no longer lying about;
only yesterday Miriam had rolled them up and put them away - temporarily. Before
the »St. Cecilia« he stood in thoughtful observation, and was still there when
Miriam returned. She had a look of uneasiness.
    »Miss Doran and her aunt are with Mrs. Spence, Reuben.
