The exhibition catalogue

An original fiction passage set in the nineteenth century.

When the new exhibition catalogue arrived at the shop, Mr Larkin remarked that it made no difference to him whether his name appeared among the makers. He turned at once to the day’s accounts. A few minutes later, he asked the shopkeeper whether the catalogue had been opened at the page listing the exhibits. On hearing that it had not, he asked to see it, then examined the page in silence.

Explain how the contrast between Mr Larkin’s words and actions suggests his attitude towards the exhibition.