A friend of mine came to see me. He stood before my bookcase looking over the books. At the sight of him lingering before it with rapt attention, I pretended to be generous, “ Take any as you like.” I said that in spite of myself. Actually I was reluctant, for I regarded my books as my children, part of my life. How could I bear them being torn away from me. My friend took me at my word and began choosing books to his liking. Unfortunately his pick happened to be my favorites, those I’d like to read and reread now and then. But I couldn’t go back on my word, for what’s done can’t be undone. To regret for lending a few books would make me look narrow-minded.
