Norman sat forward. "Miss Potter, let me explain. The idea of reducing the number of drawings was not my brotyer's but my own. Here is the scheme. Oh,I am not good at business! If we can reduce the number of drawings to thirty-one precisely, the illustrations for the entire book can be printed on a single sheet of paper, using the, uh what, the three-color process you desire, and at a level of, uh,cost that will keep it within the means of... little rabbits. Yes, I think I have that right.Yes". "Oh," said Beatrix. "I have given your book a great deal of attention. Yruly I have," said Norman with sudden fervor. "I would like it to look colorful on the shelf, so that it stand out from ordinary books." "My, you have given it thought," said Beatrix. "What other books have you supervised?" "Personally?" said Norman. "Yes." "This will be my first." "Your first." "Yes." "Ah," said Beatrix.
Norman folded his hands over the portfolio. "Miss Potter, F. Warne and Co. was founded by my late father. At his death my elder brothers took change of the firm. I have recently informed my brothers-and my mother ーthat I am not content to stay home and play nursemaid, just because I am not content to stay home and play nursemaid, just because I am the youngest son. I wish to have a proper job, and my own place in my family's firm. And they have assigned me you. Dose that make things clearer?" "Very clear," said Beatrix.