What have you there? Stephen asked.

I bought it from the other cart for a penny, Dilly said, laughing nervously. Is it any good?

My eyes they say she has. Do others see me so? Quick, far and daring. Shadow of my mind.

He took the coverless book from her hand. Chardenal’s French primer.

What did you buy that for?

he asked. To learn French?

She nodded, reddening and closing tight her lips.

Show no surprise. Quite natural.

Here, Stephen said. It’s all right. Mind Maggy doesn’t pawn it on you. I suppose all my books are gone.

Some, Dilly said. We had to.