It was
not one of her lucky days.
"I guess it's somewhere," she said, to prove her zeal; but she spoke
without conviction, and felt that her words conveyed none.
"Oh, well----" he said again. She knew he was going, and wished more
than ever to find the book.
"It will be for next time," he added; and picking up the volume he had
laid on the desk he handed it to her. "By the way, a little air and sun
would do this good; it's rather valuable."
He gave her a nod and smile, and passed out.
II
The hours of the Hatchard Memorial librarian were from three to five;
and Charity Royall's sense of duty usually kept her at her desk until
nearly half-past four.
But she had never perceived that any practical advantage thereby
accrued either to North Dormer or to herself; and she had no scruple
in decreeing, when it suited her, that the library should close an hour
earlier. A few minutes after Mr. Harney's departure she formed this
decision, put away her lace, fastened the shutters, and turned the key
in the door of the temple of knowledge.
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