, for every now
and then some one dropped in, sometimes to ask what time it was, and
sometimes to make a little purchase, while there were still some
library patrons coming in at intervals.

However, taking courage during a short rest from customers, he put up
the shutters, locked the door, and hurried off to a hotel, where he
partook of a meal such as few keepers of little shops ever think of
indulging in.

The next morning Mr. Tolman got his own breakfast. This was
delightful. He had seen how cosily the old lady had spread her table
in the little back room, where there was a stove suitable for any
cooking he might wish to indulge in, and he longed for such a cosey
meal. There were plenty of stock provisions in the house, which he had
purchased with the rest of the goods, and he went out and bought
himself a fresh loaf of bread. Then he broiled a piece of ham, made
some good strong tea, boiled some eggs, and had a breakfast on the
little round table which, though plain enough, he enjoyed more than any
breakfast at his club which he could remember. He had opened the shop,
and sat facing the glass door, hoping, almost, that there would be some
interruption to his meal. It would seem so much more proper in that
sort of business if he had to get up and go attend to a customer.

Before the evening of that day Mr. Tolman became convinced that he
would soon be obliged to employ a boy or some one to attend to the
establishment during his absence. After breakfast, a woman recommended
by the old lady came to make his bed and clean up generally, but when
she had gone he was left alone with his shop. He determined not to
allow this responsibility to injure his health, and so at one o'clock
boldly locked the shop door and went out to his lunch. He hoped that
no one would call during his absence, but when he returned he found a
little girl with a pitcher standing at the door. She came to borrow
half a pint of milk.

"Milk!" exclaimed Mr. Tolman, in surprise. "Why, my child, I have no
milk. I don't even use it in my tea."

The little girl looked very much disappointed. "Is Mrs. Walker gone
away for good?" said she.

"Yes," replied Mr. Tolman. "But I would be just as willing to lend you
the milk as she would be, if I had any. Is there any place near here
where you can buy milk?"

"Oh, yes," said the girl. "You can get it round in the market-house."

"How much would half a pint cost?" he asked.

"Three cents