Tuesday Teasers: The Blue Sapphire

"'No, he's at the other end,' said Uncle Randal, pointing. 'He's a bit shabby, poor fellow, but that's because he's read.'

'So, he doesn't mind being shabby,' said Julia, standing on tip toe to reach the shelf and bringing the well-worn copy of Pope's Poetical Works to it's owner.

'No he doesn't mind a bit,' agreed Uncle Randal, turning over leaves wit his long, thin fingers. 'To tell you the truth it always grieves me when I see a book that's never read. There's something a bit pathetic about its crisp leaves and immaculate binding. Poor thing! What's a book for if it's not to be read and enjoyed?'"

(The Blue Sapphire, by D. E. Stevenson, Chpt. 23, pgs. 149-150)