Striderlicious

The line extended down the stairs, past the gates, and so far around the block that museum receptionists put up velvet rope dividers to twist the queue. They looked worn but not uncontent. It was worse two weeks ago when the exhibit was first announced. The crowds subdued them into complacent servicers while the ordeal hardened them into guest-desk Spartans. They were merely grateful now. Newspapers passed between waiting strangers. Headlines read "All of Britain on Pilgrimage!" or "England's Greatest Treasures Unveiled!" Great Russell Street was littered with the spent pages. The pavement itself seemed to groan at the unwanted attention whi