Page:Gide - Strait is the Gate.pdf/170

STRAIT IS THE GATE 168

denly , I saw that Alissa was laughing — yes , laughing — as she watched me. “I beg your pardon,” said she at once; “your face made me laugh; it fell so abruptly when you saw my book-case." I felt very little inclined for pleasantry. “ No, really, Alissa, is that what you read now?" “Yes, certainly. What is it surprises you?" “I should have thought that a mind accustomed to substantial food would have been disgusted by such sickly stuff.” "I don't understand you,” said she. “These are humble souls who talk to me simply, and express themselves as best they can. I take pleasure in their society. I know beforehand that they will not fall into any snare of fine language, and that I, as I read, shall not be tempted by any profane admiration." Do you read nothing but that, then, now?" "Almost. Yes, for the last few months. But I haven't much time for reading now. And I confess that quite lately, when I tried to re-read one of the great authors whom you taught me to admire, I felt like the man in the Scriptures, who strives to add a cubit to his height.” “Who is this 'great author' who has given you such an odd opinion of yourself?”