Part 2 (1/2)
”Who said anything about France?” he de to enjoyjust now about a chateau, the scene of some pleasant adventure
Pray don't let me interrupt you”
A bead of perspiration rolled down Mr Aiken's brow, and he tightened his handkerchief about his throat, as though to stifle further conversation
He sat silent for a minute while his mind seemed to wander off into a maze of dim recollections, and his eyes half-closed, the better to see the pictures that drifted through his memory
”What am I here ashore and sober for,” he asked finally, ”so I won't talk, that's why, and I won't talk, so there's the end of it It's just that I have to haveabout the chato or the Captain either
”Though, if I do say it,” he added in final justification, ”there ain'tof a man like him”
”And how does that happen?” I asked
”Because there ain't anyap between us seereat distance, from the end of the road where years and experience had led hihts he could never express, even if the desire impelled hiinning to gather when I rode home, the heavy purple dusk of autu wood s Voltaire beside a briskly burning fire Closing his book on his forefinger, he waved me to a chair beside him
”My son,” he said, ”they unpowder Have you not found it so?”
”I fear,” I replied, ”that my experience has been too limited Give me time, sir, I have only been twice to sea Next time I shall remember to take Voltaire with me”
”Do,” he advised courteously; ”you will find it will help with the privateers--tide you over every little unpleasantness Ah yes, it is advice worth following I learned it long ago--a little difference of opinion--and the pages of the great philosopher--”
He raised his arlanced at it critically
”Words well placed--is it not wonderful, their steadying effect--the deadly accuracy which their logic seeerous indeed with twenty pages of Voltaire behind him”
He took a pinch of snuff, and leaned forward to tap enial
”I have read all the works of Voltaire, Henry, read them many times”
Unbidden, a picture of hiilt chairs and candelabra whose glass pendants sparkled in the ely with the scent of flowers
”But why,” he concluded, ”should I beIt is a e that it still stays valuable Strange--”
And he waved his hand in a negligent gesture of deprecation
”Why, indeed, be more explicit,” I rejoined ”Your sudden interest is quite enough to leave lect, you see to it I ride out safely of an afternoon”
He tapped his snuff box thoughtfully