Page:The Library, volume 5, series 3.djvu/339

 3 2 S ON GETTING TO WORK : PART OF A PAPER READ BEFORE THE PANIZZI CLUB, 24 JUNE, 1914. (CUSTOMER at a shop (not being an expert shop-lifter), before he can obtain the service he desires from a tradesman, has, as a rule, to pay in cash or pledge his credit for the tradesman's remunera- tion. And for the sake of that remuneration the tradesman is content to be obsequious, even humble. But there are just a few services which the trades- man is accustomed (no doubt with an underlying consciousness that it is ultimately for his own advantage) to render for nothing. A Hatter asks no payment for brushing a silk hat which has hi^ name inside it ; an Umbrella-maker will sew on a gratuitous button; a Fountain-pen-maker will adjust the point of a refraftory nib, and the Assistant, as he hands it back, will smilingly inform you that there is No Charge. It is very amusing to note how pleased with himself the average shopman be- comes on these occasions. He is no longer humble or obsequious, but a genial human being, and at least one Librarian, whenever he is the recipient of these small favours and notes the effecT: on the shop- man's manner, is always inclined to thank Heaven that in our occupation there is at least no immediate