But all books are useful. How am I to determine what is and what is not, when that fact remains true? You know-- [Clop clop clop clop. Val is holding his crystal thoughtfully, with one hand left free to open doors and occasionally take hold of the trailing rope, when Garce decides that she would prefer to explore the larger house. Not a shred of effort or strain is passed into Val's voice. He is perfectly comfortable carrying on this conversation.] --I should like very much to take a thorough accounting of what is within the room. Both the furniture, and the books. I was born inundated with relations, who all very naturally grew to be elderly relations, yet all thoroughly disowned me--save one! But he is dead now, and his will read a very long time ago, and his possessions divided, and while he was very kind to remember me then, I have always suspected that his chiefest intent was to anger other members of the family--which I do respect, of course. And I suppose now certain members are taking their revenge upon me--upon us--in a similar fashion. Well! They are welcome to try.

In any case, one can always find interesting things among the various and sundry possessions of the aged. And terribly boring and unfashionable and awful things as well. It takes a good eye to sort the two from one another. You are very lucky that you have me in your corner, mademoiselle--yes, yes, Garce, take that drape from your mouth--immediately, yes--