Keith, who had already noticed the trim appearance of the store and the neat and attractive way in which the goods were displayed, expressed his hearty approval.
“And how is business?” he asked.
“Tiptop!” declared Shadrach.
“It's improvin' consider'ble,” said Zoeth.
“It is a little better, but it must be far better before I am satisfied,” said Mary.
“How is the cottage trade?” asked Keith.
“Why, not so very good. There aren't many cottagers here yet.”
When Keith reached home he called his wife into consultation.
“Gertrude,” he asked, “where do we buy our household supplies, groceries and the like?”
“In Boston, most of them. The others—those I am obliged to buy here in South Harniss—at that new store, Baker's.”