About eleven o'clock the downpour ceased, and presently a timid sunbeam played upon a puddle. They went out to look for a library at noon. There was no need for umbrellas.
The librarian was a listless young woman of "superior manners." When not occupied among the literature, she assisted in the fancy department. While Nina was lingering at the shelves, three other readers went to the counter, and the first lady said:—
"Good morning. I want a ... book. Something—er—rather exciting."
The young woman threw an omniscient glance at the collection, and plucked. The lady read the title aloud:—
"Is this rather exciting?"
"Oh yes, madam, that is very exciting."
"Oh." She ruffled the pages irresolutely. "It's not very long," she murmured; "haven't you anything longer?"
The young woman plucked.
"Is this rather exciting?" asked the lady.
The librarian assured her that it was no less exciting than the other novel.