Leaving her alone to sleep through the day and then most of the next night, Lenore arrives with dinner, which is set down by the bars of the cell along with two books. Lenore steps through and then reaches for the books and takes a seat nearby, leaving Gideon to reach for the food.

"Hello, darling," Lenore says, smiling warmly as she greets her pet, genuinely happy to see her.

Lenore's own entertainments had paled for the course of the day. She distracted herself by visiting the kitchens, chatting with servants, designing a new gown, picking at embroidery, reading... but it all was hollow and boring, and she too was lonely. She wanted a companion more than a bodyguard, though having a bodyguard was a good excuse for a companion, someone who had to follow her around.

She wants to crawl into Gideon's lap now, to insist upon being held and indulged, but she doesn't want to risk pushing too far too quickly. It's crucial to make sure that she gives Gideon less than she wants, not more.

"Can you read?" In this, Lenore's less concerned about Gideon's pride. Most people don't know how to read. Books are rare and valuable, and most peasants don't have acquaintances beyond walking distance, so there's no need for letters. Lenore has brought the books with the assumption that she'll be reading aloud from them, or using them to provide reading lessons.