Explore "Riceyman Steps" by Arnold Bennett on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
One morning in November, at a little past eight o'clock, Mrs. Arb, watching from behind the door of her yet unopened shop, saw Mr. Earlforward help Elsie to carry out the empty bookstand and set it down in front of the window, and then, with overcoat, muffler and umbrella, depart from Riceyman Steps on business. Mrs. Arb immediately unlocked her door, went out just as she was -- hatless, coatless, gloveless, wearing a white apron -- locked her door, and walked across to Mr. Earlforward's. Elsie had already begun to fill the bookstand with books which overnight had been conveniently piled near the entrance of the shop.
"Good morning, Elsie. Dull morning, isn't it? Is master up yet? " said Mrs. Arb vivaciously, rubbing her hands in the chilly, murky dawn, and brightening the dawn.