Page:Carroll - Sylvie and Bruno Concluded.djvu/143

VII] Sylvie, that I could not help glancing round, half-expecting to see Bruno also!

Mein Herr began thoughtfully balancing his spoon on the edge of his teacup, while he pondered over this request. "Something wonderfullike Fortunatus's Purse? That will give youwhen it is madewealth beyond your wildest dreams: but it will not give you Time!"

A pause of silence ensued utilised by Lady Muriel for the very practical purpose of refilling the teacups.

"In your country," Mein Herr began with a startling abruptness, "what becomes of all the wasted Time?"

Lady Muriel looked grave. "Who can tell?" she half-whispered to herself. "All one knows is that it is gonepast recall!"

"Well, in myI mean in a country I have visited," said the old man, "they store it up: and it comes in very useful, years afterwards! For example, suppose you have a long tedious evening before you: nobody to talk to: nothing you care to do: and yet hours too soon to go to bed. How do you behave then?"