'Surely these poor, silly people oughtn't to be encouraged in
their weakness.'
Whelpdale's countenance fell. He looked ashamed of himself. But
Jasper came speedily to the rescue.
'That's twaddle, Dora. Fools will be fools to the world's end.
Answer a fool according to his folly; supply a simpleton with the
reading he craves, if it will put money in your pocket. You have
discouraged poor Whelpdale in one of the most notable projects of
modern times.'
'I shall think no more of it,' said Whelpdale, gravely. 'You are
right, Miss Dora.'
Again Jasper burst into merriment. His sister reddened, and
looked uncomfortable. She began to speak timidly:
'You said this was for reading in trains and 'buses?'
Whelpdale caught at hope.
'Yes. And really, you know, it may be better at such times to
read chit-chat than to be altogether vacant, or to talk
unprofitably. I am not sure; I bow to your opinion unreservedly.'
'So long as they only read the paper at such times,' said Dora,
still hesitating. 'One knows by experience that one really can't
fix one's attention in travelling; even an article in a newspaper
is often too long.
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