Belle smiled to herself as she finished stacking the last shelfload of books. It was almost time to shut up shop, so she leaned down the ladder and addressed the small, fair haired girl sitting with her nose deep in a book.

“Angie. Angie, sweetie.”

The girl looked up. “Sorry, Mama, did tu say something?”

“It’s nearly time to go.”

“Oh, but I’m in the middle of this great book-”

“Then tu can take it with you. I’m sure Mr Bookkeeper won’t mind.” Belle slid down the ladder and held out her hand. “Come on, let’s go home.”

Obediently, Angelique closed the book, got...