Catherine was amazed at the man’s utter coolness.
“Well,” she said laughingly, “I’m sure if I’d been in a railway accident I should have been so glad to get out without hurting myself that I should never have thought about complaining for a hat.”
He smiled—a touch of male superiority made itself apparent in his eyes. Then he delivered judgment.
“One should always,” he said massively, “know what one should do in any contingency, however unforeseen. And everyone should be acquainted with the first principles of English law ... there’s those parcels down from Augeners’, Miss Weston....”
§ 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.