Page:Nigger Heaven (1926).pdf/124

 mended Jean Toomer's Cane to a youth who listened to her with apparent sympathy, but who hardly waited for her to conclude before he said, Ah guess Ah wants Duh Mine Wid Duh Iron Do'.

It's out, she was delighted to be able to announce.

Well, ain't you got nothin' else by duh man dat wrote et?

She had. Stamping the boy's card, she passed him the well-worn volume.

As he turned away, she was aware, although she did not look up, that another figure had taken his place.

Hello! The tone was one of hearty diffidence, as if the speaker were pretending not to be quite sure of a welcome.

Oh, it's you! she exclaimed. I'm so glad to see you. I'm getting so tired of handing out trash that I'm in a frightfully bad temper. I need cheering up.

What do you want the public to read? Byron demanded.

Well, it would help my disposition some if I could send Jean Toomer's Cane out today.

I'll take it, Byron assured her. Ive always wanted to read it.

You haven't a card, Mary protested. It isn't my book. I can't lend it to you personally.

Well, I'll get a card. How often can I change books?

Every day, if you like.