"
Supper time came and passed no more cheerfully than had the midday
meal. The society of the old people was anything but enlivening for
Ida May. In desperation she began to talk, and out of sheer
perverseness she lighted upon the subject of the establishment of
Hoskin & Marl.
Now Prudence found this topic of interest, for since Annabel
Coffin--she who was a Buttle--had dilated upon those great marts of
trade in Boston, the old woman had been vastly curious. Sheila had
never cared to talk of her experiences as saleswoman behind the
counter.
"They tell me they sell most everything you could name in those
stores," Prudence said reflectively. "Heaps of dry goods, I suppose.
Let me see, what did you sell, my dear?"
"I'm in the laces," said Ida May. "But Hoskin & Marl sell lots
besides dry goods."
"Oh, yes! Annabel did say something about automobiles and--and
plasters; didn't she, Ira?"
"Goodness knows," rejoined her husband with a groan. "Annabel Coffin
said so much the last time she was here that my head buzzes now when
I think of her."
"Now, you hesh!" said Prudence. "Never can interest a man in such
things. So you sold laces, did you, my dear? Oh, Ida May!" she
exclaimed suddenly to Sheila, sitting on the other side of the
table.
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