“Be as hasty as possible,” she beseech when I depart.

“It should take no time to make 50c go a long ways,” I encourage. “I shall saunter among markets making storekeepers jealous by my independent behavior. Then I shall promenade homewards and commence to cook.”

I do so and this is what I done.

I spent 5c trolley fare and arrive to shop of Hon. Fritz Schultz, prominent butchery. I discover this wealthy meat-person standing befront of his store making sweet whistles.

“O Hon. Mr. Sir,” I commence, “your soul feels very musical this morning.”

“A butcher’s soul is like his sausage,” he confab84, “full of strange and wonderful surprises. Also I must feel slightly poetical because Spring have arrived to my store.”

84

“Spring,” I snagger.

“Ah, yes,” he say off. “Beholt the signs of Spring in my window.”

I notice several. One say: “SPRING LAMB!—Marked Up to 42c.” Another say, “SPRING CHICKEN—Formerly 18c. Reduced to 27c.”

“Why should meat behave so heavenly?” I reproach. “It is continually soaring beyond.”

“The Trusts—they are greedy about making profits,” he say, arranging his necktie, which was full of diamond pins. “The Trusts are to blame, as usual. What can I sell you this morning? I shall be willing to part from some delicious pork chops for twice that they are worth.”

“At such a price pork should taste like venison,” I suggested.

“Have you got any food for sale that is less ostentatious?” I acquit.

“Corn beef,” he report. “That homely dish can be obtained for 22c per lb.”

“I shall take 1 lb. please,” I order.

“Umpossible!” he disorder. “My corn beef come only in 5 lb. patterns.”

My soul drop back, completely flabbed.

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