The Bigger, the Smaller The celebrated village atmosphere of New
York neighbourhoods is weakening as the small shops go and the older buildings are knocked down to make room for bigger and better office arid apartment blocks. But it still persists, it's a rare stroll when you don't run into some acquain- tance, as likely as not from England. You couldn't, say, if you wanted to, go on the loose in the tourist trap of Greenwich Village without being spotted and having a detailed account of your iniquities sent back home post-haste. The other day I put in a call to a number in Ipswich, Mass., and an instantly recognisable voice said: `Mr. and Mrs. X are at a wedding. I am an Eng- lish guest of theirs.' Indeed you are,' said I, 'and I know you.' And I know you, too,' said she. And that's how it (increasingly) goes.
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