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 in both hands and replied : `` Well now , since you suggest it , I might as well -- take -- that is -- look at -- buy some -- some hayseed . '' Miss Harris had heard Matthew Cuthbert called odd . She now concluded that he was entirely crazy . `` We only keep hayseed in the spring , '' she explained loftily . `` We 've none on hand just now . '' `` Oh , certainly -- certainly -- just as you say , '' stammered unhappy Matthew , seizing the rake and making for the door . At the threshold he recollected that he had not paid for it and he turned miserably back . While Miss Harris was counting out his change he rallied his powers for a final desperate attempt . `` Well now -- if it is n't too much trouble -- I might as well -- that is -- I 'd like to look at -- at -- some sugar . '' `` White or brown ? '' queried Miss Harris patiently . `` Oh -- well now -- brown , '' said Matthew feebly .
`` There 's a barrel of it over there , '' said Miss Harris , shaking her bangles XXXXX it .
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