The Good Librarian, Page 2

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  They came through town in 1956 when Jacob was transferred to a base near San Bernadino, California. They stopped in for another family dinner and mentioned casually that they wanted the book back.

  But you calmly refused to give it to them.

  Surprised, perhaps a little horrified, by your refusal, they put a comic face on it.

  “It seems now that Juney has got her own copy of Leaves of Grass,” said Matty.

  “When you gave up that book you gave it up forever,” you said drily.

  “Juney’s nothing but stubborn. We aren’t getting Walt Whitman back anytime soon,” said Jacob, turning their shortcomings into yours.