"Ah, well! Forgive the saddening reminiscences of an old man--not a
common weakness with me, I assure you. May I say, Mr. Queed, how much
your intellect, your culture, your admirable--ah--poise--amazing they
seem to me in so young a man--have appealed to me among a population of
Brookes, Bylashes, and Klinkers? You are the first man in many a day
that has inspired me with an impulse toward friendship and confidence.
It would be a real kindness if you'd come in sometimes of an evening."
At the word "friendship" the young man flinched uncontrollably. Was the
whole diabolical world in league to spring out and make friends with
him?
"Unfortunately," he said, with his iciest bow, "my time is entirely
engrossed by my work."
But as his eye went round the pretty, dim-lit room, he could not help
contrasting it with the bleak Scriptorium above, and he added with a
change of tone and a sigh:--
"You appear wonderfully comfortable here."
Nicolovius shrugged. "So-so," he said indifferently. "However, I shall
make a move before long."
"Indeed?"
"I want more space and independence, more quiet--surcease from meeting
fellow-boarders at every step.
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