It would be , he felt assured , no trifling ordeal . There were some things Matthew could buy and prove himself no mean bargainer ; but he knew he would be at the mercy of shopkeepers when it came to buying a girl 's dress . After much cogitation Matthew resolved to go to Samuel Lawson 's store instead of William Blair 's . To be sure , the Cuthberts always had gone to William Blair 's ; it was almost as much a matter of conscience with them as to attend the Presbyterian church and vote Conservative . But William Blair 's two daughters frequently waited on customers there and Matthew held them in absolute dread . He could contrive to deal with them when he knew exactly what he wanted and could point it out ; but in such a matter as this , requiring explanation and consultation , Matthew felt that he must be sure of a man behind the counter . So he would go to Lawson 's , where Samuel or his son would wait on him . Alas ! Matthew did not know that Samuel , in the recent expansion of his business , had set up a lady clerk also ; she was a niece of his wife 's and a very dashing young person indeed , with a huge , drooping pompadour , big , rolling brown eyes , and a most extensive and bewildering smile . She was dressed with exceeding smartness and wore several bangle bracelets that glittered and rattled and tinkled with every movement of her hands . Matthew was covered with confusion at finding her there at all ; and those bangles completely wrecked his wits at one fell swoop . `` What can I do for you this evening , Mr. Cuthbert ? '' Miss Lucilla Harris inquired , briskly and ingratiatingly , tapping the counter with both hands . `` Have you any -- any -- any -- well now , say any garden rakes ? '' stammered Matthew . Miss Harris looked somewhat surprised , as well she might , to hear a man inquiring for garden rakes in the middle of December . `` I believe we have one or two left over , '' she said , `` but they 're upstairs in the lumber room . I 'll go and see . '' During her absence Matthew collected his scattered senses for another effort . When Miss Harris returned with the rake and cheerfully inquired : `` Anything else tonight , Mr. Cuthbert ? ''
Matthew took his courage XXXXX both hands and replied : `` Well now , since you suggest it , I might as well -- take -- that is -- look at -- buy some -- some hayseed . ''
After During at for in of on that to with