"Sure," Sidney replied. "That's why I called for it." He was obviously surprised, and expressed the fact in his eyes. The other observed this, and made haste to apologize:
"Ce'tainly, ce'tainly. Beg yo' pa'don. Not many cullud people buy works of fiction, or anything besides an occasional Bible, school books and stationery. That is why I was undecided whether you wanted to buy it or not."
"Indeed!" echoed Sidney, taken suddenly aback. Then said: "I read a great deal myself."
The clerk observed him closely for a moment, and then said: "You don't live in these parts?"
"No."
"And you read a great deal? Where are you from?"
He was told.
"That accounts for it," said the other, proceeding to wrap up the book.
"Accounts for what?" curiously.
"Your being a reader."