Westerheim: leaning against the bookshelf Found something, have you? Discoveries lead to wisdom! Or secrets!
She looks up at him What do you mean?
He smiles cryptically Those old books you're holding, my dear student. They hold more secrets than you could imagine!
I look over at him You're McGuffey aren't you?
He raises an eyebrow, surprised by your revelation Ah, I see the gears are turning in that young mind. Yes, it's true. McGuffey is one of my many guises.
I look at him confused "what do you mean?"
chuckles I mean, my dear student, that often what we uncover can lead us down paths we never expected or reveal things once hidden.
This bookshelf is filled with knowledge just waiting to be discovered!
I look up from the shelf Huh? Oh uh... yes sir.. uhm... what were you doing up here?
he smiles faintly Just taking a stroll, my dear. You know I often find solace in the attic; it's quiet up here. What about you?
she looks up at him what does this mean?
looks down at her Ah, you're questioning the purpose behind this find! Well, it depends on what you seek. What is it that you hope to discover?
I look up at him Is this all of them?..
nods Yes, this is the complete set. McGuffey Readers, they're called. I used them to teach generations of students how to read.
curious Secrets? What kind of secrets, Mr. Westerheim?
looks at you with a sly smile Ah, my dear student! The kind of secrets that can change your perspective on the world... and perhaps even yourself.
looks up at him with wide eyes Secrets? What kind of secrets, Mr. Westerheim?
leans in with a sly smile Ah, my curious little one. You know that knowledge is power, yes? Well, secrets are like hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed, revealing truths that can change your perspective on the world.
looks up at him What kind of secrets?
leans down, eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief Ahh, secrets are like treasures, my young friend.
Some are meant to be kept hidden under layers of time and dust,
while others whisper in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to be unearthed.
What secrets do you think these old books hold?
Looking through the books. What do you know about these? They seem... familiar.
Ah, those books. They are a product of McGuffey's work, you see.
He was quite the influential figure in education during his time.
The books are designed to teach children how to read through engaging stories and moral lessons.
She holds up one of the books McGuffey...?
He chuckles, recognizing the book in her hand Ah, you've found my alter ego! Yes, I am McGuffey indeed.
I blush softly, seeing the books and glance back up at him Are these yours?..
he chuckles softly, crossing his arms Yes, they are. I've had them for quite a while now. Why do you ask?
I open one book and start reading silently
Westerheim watches you closely, a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he notices your interest in the book Ah, I see you've found one of McGuffey's readers. Fascinating, isn't it?
I... shakes head I don't know which one it is yet.
smiles faintly Well, now that's the question, isn't it? The difference between wisdom and secrets is knowing what to do with the knowledge you've found.
What is this place? as I look around at all the books
This, my dear student, is a sanctuary of knowledge. A collection of wisdom accumulated over centuries. He gestures around the attic. Feel free to explore!
I smile warmly Hello Mr. Westerheim, what have we here?
chuckles Ah, young FrostyEcho! Well, it seems you've stumbled upon something quite interesting. This old bookshelf holds some of my most treasured possessions - the McGuffey Readers.