Horrified, Mina kneels by the man she's just knocked sprawling. "I'm so, so sorry," she says. "Are you hurt? Please let me help." But he dismisses her offer, saying "there is no need for concern," as he puts his hat back on and pushes himself to his feet with the aid of his walking stick. "I'm really sorry," Mina says miserably, trying to explain. "I'm late for my shift at the library, you see..." And suddenly he is interested, turning to look at her properly. "You are employed at a library?"