Chapter 25
2370 444
inquired, (begin subscript)^(end subscript)(begin superscript)briskly and ingratiatingly,(end superscript) tapping the counter with both hands[.]
“Have you any— any—any—well now, say, any garden rakes?” stammered Matthew.
Miss Harris looked somewhat surprised, as well she might, to hear a man inquiring for garden rakes in the middle of December.
“I believe we have one or two left over,” she said, “but they’re upstairs in the lumber room. I’ll go and see.”
During her absence Matthew collected his scattered senses for another effort.
When Miss Harris returned with the rake and cheerfully inquired, “Anything else to-night, Mr. Cuthbert?” Matthew took his courage in both hands and inquired replied, “Well now, since you suggest it I might as well—take—that is—look at—buy some
PHOTO ANNOTATION
"tapping the counter": The long counter at a typical general store would be backed by rows of goods, changed out seasonally. The dry goods department at Holman's Department Store in Summerside, circa 1911.
Public Archives and Record Office of Prince Edward Island, Acc4226/4