The Lesson

The Second Visit, 2

Remember, of course, that there are many sorts of houses. In some houses, more things can happen than in others. In certain, special houses, virtually anything at all can happen. If you have perhaps at some time been in a house of this sort, then you will know exactly what I mean. One feels an enlarging of the self in these places — because our personalities, our selves, border on the possible, and when the possible grows, well, so then do we.

Of course, it should be clear by now that this house, no. 32 Oaken Lane, was such a place.

— I have a question.

— Yes?

— Will you read to me from one of these books?

He was standing by a large bookshelf in the hall. Loring had gone on ahead into the parlor.

— I can’t see all the titles, it is too dark.

— There is no light in the hall, said Loring. It was an idea my husband had — that halls should only be lit by light coming through doors. I still hold to it.

— How about this one? asked the boy.

He started to pull out a large volume, and it began to tip. It was far too heavy for him, and it fell heavily, splaying open.

The page it opened to had an illustration of a vulture sitting in a barber’s chair. Beside the picture it said, the history of barbers is the history of blood and hair.

— I haven’t read this book, said Loring. That’s something to know: owning books is not the same as having read them, although I suppose for some people it is.

— I have read all the books that I own, said Stan, and some that my parents have.

— Perhaps this one, said Loring.

She took down a thin book from a high shelf. It was called The Hour Is Late & Therefore Early. The author was C. P. Dodds.

— I believe you will enjoy this, she said.

— Why do you close your eyes so much when I am here?

— I am trying to hear what you’re saying, she said. Very carefully, I am trying.

— Would it help for me to speak louder?

— No, no.

She laughed.

— I can hear you perfectly well. I am simply trying to hear exactly what you’re saying. It’s not easy, you know, to pay real attention to what people say. It isn’t always exact the same as the words they are saying.

— Your eyes are closed right now.

She opened her eyes.

— We will now play one game, and then I will read from this book a little. But, you mustn’t tell your parents that we are reading. That is not why they are sending you here.

The boy put his finger over his lips.