The Lesson

At the Show

or almost. The alley on which they were walking went between two churches. KENSTOCK MEWS was its name. Soon the churches were gone and the backs of houses arched to the left and right. Stone walls high and burdened, abounded. Weeds, cats, stones, glass, the sound of things dripping. Something churchlike loomed again, except this building FACED THE ALLEY.

A man in a scarlet uniform stood on the magnificent steps.

— I will let you in, he said, but you must hurry. In your case, one ticket will be enough if you promise to take no more between you than one person can carry.

— Of what we see?

— Yes, of what you see.

— Tell him we agree, said Stan.

— We agree, said Loring.

She paid the man and he stamped both his feet, one, TWO.

The door swung open from within.