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"Sir William's interruption has made me forget what we were

talking of."

"I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not

have interrupted any two people in the room who had less to say

for themselves. We have tried two or three subjects already

without success, and what we are to talk of next I cannot

imagine."

"What think you of books?" said he, smiling.

"Books--oh no!--I am sure we never read the same, or not with the

same feelings."

"I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at

least be no want of subject. We may compare our different

opinions."

"No--I cannot talk of books in a ball-room; my head is always

full of something else."

"The present always occupies you in such scenes--does it?" said

he, with a look of doubt.