Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 2.djvu/100

90 to occupy himself in the same manner; but, in a little while, after several portentous yawns, he pronounced his book to be "cursed trash," and threw it on to the table. Then followed eight or ten minutes of silence, during the greater part of which, I believe, he was staring at me. At last his patience was tired out.

"What is that book, Helen?" he exclaimed.

I told him.

"Is it interesting?"

"Yes, very."

"Humph!"

I went on reading—or pretending to read, at least—I cannot say there was much communication between my eyes and my brain; for, while the former ran over the pages, the latter was earnestly wondering when Arthur would speak next, and what he would say, and what I should answer. But he did not speak again till I rose to make the tea, and then it was only to say he should not take any. He continued