"Huh?" bleated Tracey, dumbfounded.
"Is there anything you wish to purchase?"
A violent emotion stirred in Tracey. Sounds began to emanate from his heaving chest. "N-n-no, ma'am!" he breathed explosively.
Duncan bowed again, his face expressionless. "Then will you be good enough to excuse me?" He turned precisely and made his way back to the counter.
As if released from some spell of strong enchantment by the movement, Tracey swung on his heel and lunged for the door.
"What was it you wanted to ask me, Tracey?" Angie called after him.
As the boy disappeared at a hand-gallop his response floated back: "I fergit."
"I'm afraid I must have frightened him?" Duncan said inquiringly.
"Oh, no, not at all," Josie reassured him; "he's just gone to tell everybody you're here."
"Come, Josie, we've been here ever so long." Angie moved slowly toward the door, but Josie inclined to linger.