"
Mr Napper dismissed Vincent and then turned to Mavis.
"If I may say so, I can see by your face that you're fond of
literature," he said.
"I like reading."
"Law and music is my 'obby, as you might say. The higher literature
is my intellect."
"Indeed!"
"Let me lend you something to read while you're waiting."
"You're very kind. But I've had nothing to eat. Would you mind if I
took it out with me?"
"Delighted! What do you say to Locke's Human Understanding?" he
asked, as he produced a book.
"Thank you very much."
"Or here's Butler's Anatomy of Melancholy."
"But--"
"Or 'Obbes's Leviathan," he suggested, producing a third volume.
"Thank you, but Locke will do to begin upon."
"Ask me to explain anything you don't understand," he urged.
"I won't fail to," she replied, at which Mr Napper took his leave.
Mavis went to a neighbouring tea-shop, where she obtained the food
of which she was in need. When she returned to Mr Keating's office,
she was shown into the inner room by Vincent, who shut the door as
he left her. She was still a prey to anxiety, and succeeded in
convincing herself how comparatively happy she would be if only she
could get back her stolen goods.
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