On all the floors were piles of books, to the amount, perhaps, of some
thousands of volumes: these, still in bales; those, wrapped in paper,
as they had been purchased; others scattered singly or in heaps; not one
upon the shelves which lined the walls. To these Mr Fips called Tom's
attention.
'Before anything else can be done, we must have them put in order,
catalogued, and ranged upon the book-shelves, Mr Pinch. That will do to
begin with, I think, sir.'
Tom rubbed his hands in the pleasant anticipation of a task so congenial
to his taste, and said:
'An occupation full of interest for me, I assure you. It will occupy me,
perhaps, until Mr--'
'Until Mr--' repeated Fips; as much as to ask Tom what he was stopping
for.
'I forgot that you had not mentioned the gentleman's name,' said Tom.
'Oh!' cried Mr Fips, pulling on his glove, 'didn't I? No, by-the-bye,
I don't think I did. Ah! I dare say he'll be here soon. You will get on
very well together, I have no doubt. I wish you success I am sure. You
won't forget to shut the door? It'll lock of itself if you slam it.
Half-past nine, you know.
Pages:
1130
1131
1132
1133
1134
1135
1136
1137
1138
1139
1140
1141
1142
1143
1144
1145
1146
1147
1148
1149
1150
1151
1152
1153
1154