Mrs. Orly looked embarrassed. “I’ve got a list somewhere” she said hurriedly, “but I can’t find it.”
“I’ll do my best” said Miriam.
“You know—anythin’ historical ... there’s one I put down ‘The Sorrows of a Young Queen.’ Keep that if they send it and anything else you think.”
“Is there anything to go back?”
“Yes, I’ll bring them out. We’ve been reading an awful one—awful.”
Miriam began fingering her gold foil. Mrs. Orly was going to expect her to be shocked....
“By that awful man Zola....”
“Oh yes” said Miriam, dryly.
“Have you read any of his?”
“Yes” said Miriam carefully.