Free More Than Words by Judith Miller Page A

don’t you explain why it’s improper to tell a person she possesses pleasant features? One glance in a looking glass is enough to affirm such a statement.”
    “It could cause a person to become vain, and it is the inner person that is important, Mr. Finley. Beautiful features are nothing when compared to fine character, wouldn’t you agree?” He didn’t immediately respond, so I continued to explain. “We have no choice about our physical appearance, but we do choose how we will treat others and whether we will live in a godly manner.”
    For a long moment, he pursed his lips together and appeared to be in deep thought. “But you must agree that a lovely physical appearance isn’t a bad thing.”
    “No, it isn’t bad. But it is much less important than inner beauty.”
    His loud guffaw startled me.
    “You find my answer funny?”
    He covered his mouth with his palm but continued to laugh. “No offense intended.” The muffled words filtered through his fingers. He finally ceased laughing and dropped his hand. “I was picturing the process of looking down someone’s throat to view their inner beauty.” When I didn’t join in his laughter, he chided me. “Come now, surely you can see how humorous that would be.”
    “I suppose there is a bit of humor to be found in what you’ve said.” In truth, I wondered why any person in his right mind would have such a curious thought. Had my grandmother made the strange remark, I wouldn’t have been surprised. She didn’t have full control of her mind. But Mr. Finley was an intelligent businessman who didn’t appear to have any mental problems. At least none that I’d previously observed. Maybe I just didn’t understand the humor of outsiders.
    “Tell me, Miss Kohler, what did you think of the magazines I left with you? Did you find any of the articles or poems of interest?”
    “Yes. All of them.” I blurted out the admission without thinking.
    A slow smile curved his lips. “So you didn’t destroy them. I’m pleased to know you’re interested in learning and expanding your horizons.”
    “I read them only because I enjoy writing and wanted to see how I could improve my skills.” My excuse was weak, but it was the only defense I could offer. Besides, it held a modicum of truth. I’d studied the poems and stories at length. And despite Mina’s assessment, I believed my writings had improved over the past weeks.
    He lifted his case to the counter and opened the latches. “My instincts told me you were a young woman with a penchant for learning, so I brought along some books you might enjoy.” He pushed the case toward me so I could view the bounty inside. “You may keep them as long as you’d like.”
    A deep sense of longing washed over me. I’d never before experienced such a strong desire to possess anything in my life. I lifted one of the books from the case and read the title. Anna Karenina . My excitement mounted as I flipped through the pages. I picked up the next one and smiled. The Cambridge Book of Poetry and Song . “They look like books I would very much enjoy.”
    He nodded and picked up another. “This is Lorna Doone and there’s Tennyson’s Poetical Works. I chose books from my library that I thought you would enjoy. Once you’ve read those, I’d be happy to share others with you.”
    To accept the books would be considered unsuitable. I did, after all, have better things to do with my time. Yet to learn was a good thing. I reasoned that reading these books would expand my mind and teach me new writing skills. And the books weren’t a gift. I would return them to Mr. Finley once I’d read them. Surely it couldn’t be improper to borrow some books. My insides quivered, and I glanced toward the front door. If I was convinced borrowing the books wasn’t unacceptable, why was I frightened someone would see me?
    I forced the thought aside. “I would be pleased to read these books, Mr. Finley, and I will see to their gut