“Oh, I don’t know,” she protested, a little confused.

“Yes, you are. You are beautifully womanly⁠—and so high-minded and well read. It’s been inspiring to me. I want you should know that. Yes, sir, a real inspiration. It’s been inspiring, elevating, to say the least.”

“I like to read, if that’s what you mean,” she hastened to say.

“By Jove, I’ve got to do some reading, too. It’s so hard to find time. But I’ll make time. I’ll get that Stones of Venice I’ve heard you speak of, and I’ll sit up nights⁠—and keep awake with black coffee⁠—but I’ll read that book from cover to cover.”

“That’s your determination again,” Page exclaimed. “Your eyes just flashed when you said it. I believe if you once made up your mind to do a thing, you would do it, no matter how hard it was, wouldn’t you?”

“Well, I’d⁠—I’d make things hum, I guess,” he admitted.