§ 2
All the rest of the day he was serene in his little groove.
At lunch-time he went out to buy a new top hat.
But the next day he unbent a little. About closing time he approached Catherine and placed a little green book on the counter before her. It was one of those sixpenny volumes called the “People’s Books.” Its title was Everyday Law, by J. J. Adams.
“Perhaps this would interest you,” he said. “It is very short and simple to understand, and it tells you a good many things that every modern man and woman should know.”
“Thank you,” she stammered, slightly overwhelmed.
“I have underlined the pages relating to railway accidents,” he went on.
And she thought: “He has actually spent sixpence on me!”
But he continued: “You need not be in a hurry to return it to me.... In fact”—in a burst of generosity—“keep it until you are quite sure you have finished with it.”
“Thank you,” she said again, and was surprised to feel herself blushing scarlet....