The Haunted Bookshop, Christopher Morley [ebook reader online .TXT] 📗

his cook-book a narrow stairway rose on each side,running up to the gallery. Behind these stairs a short flightof steps led to the domestic recesses. The visitor foundhimself ushered into a small room on the left, where a grateof coals glowed under a dingy mantelpiece of yellowish marble.On the mantel stood a row of blackened corn-cob pipes and a canisterof tobacco. Above was a startling canvas in emphatic oils,representing a large blue wagon drawn by a stout white animal--evidently a horse. A background of lush scenery enhanced the forcefultechnique of the limner. The walls were stuffed with books.Two shabby, comfortable chairs were drawn up to the iron fender,and a mustard-coloured terrier was lying so close to the glow that asmell of singed hair was sensible.

"There," said the host; "this is my cabinet, my chapel of ease.Take off your coat and sit down."

"Really," began Gilbert, "I'm afraid this is----"

"Nonsense! Now you sit down and commend your soul to Providenceand the kitc