“We don’t carry them here. The only papers we get come in by plane. They’re all sold out long before this.”
“Oh, I see,” said Penny in disappointment, “well, next time I’ll try to come earlier.”
“I beg your pardon,” ventured a voice directly behind her. “Allow me to offer you my paper.”
Penny turned around to see that Ralph Fergus had entered the drugstore in time to hear her remark. With a most engaging smile, he extended his own newspaper.
“Oh, I don’t like to take your paper,” she protested, wishing to accept no favor however small from the man.
“Please do,” he urged, thrusting it into her hand. “I have finished with it.”
“Thank you,” said Penny.
She took the paper and started to leave the store. Mr. Fergus fell into step with her, following her outside.
“Going back up the mountain?” he inquired casually.
“Yes, I was.”