Good Books

He had suddenly extended his
book before Miss Bartlett and Mr. Eager, binding their hands
together by a long glossy ribbon of churches, pictures, and
views.
"This is too much!" cried the chaplain, striking petulantly at
one of Fra Angelico's angels. She tore. A shrill cry rose from
the vendor. The book it seemed, was more valuable than one would
have supposed.
"Willingly would I purchase--" began Miss Bartlett.
"Ignore him," said Mr. Eager sharply, and they all walked rapidly
away from the square.
But an Italian can never be ignored, least of all when he has a
grievance. His mysterious persecution of Mr. Eager became
relentless; the air rang with his threats and lamentations. He
appealed to Lucy; would not she intercede? He was poor--he
sheltered a family--the tax on bread. He waited, he gibbered, he
was recompensed, he was dissatisfied, he did not leave them until
he had swept their minds clean of all thoughts whether pleasant
or unpleasant.
Shopping was the topic that now ensued.


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