"Sorry Miss, no." Ellie answered in a formal business-like manner. It was the prepared response to an often asked question. It dashed hope in the politest way possible "At Pennyweather's, we sell special, one -of -a -kind books. Unless requested by special order."

They had lots of Dickens, Anderson, and if a private library was sold they would almost end up with multiple copies.

"Obviously, ye'll be buying this one. Would you like us to find another copy? Ellie asked in an upbeat and helpful tone. Ellie liked to speculate why the books were being bought. Perhaps it was a gift for a sister or friend? Or was it to have a house of books to look educated, but that were never read.