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Show FIRST CHARGE TO CUSTOMERS. I Somewhat Novel System In Vogue In H Stores of Salem. L H Evidence of thnt thrift which con- trlbutcd its share In making Salem tho HJ prosperous little city It Is to day smote Hj me unawares tho first day I ventured leHJ Into one of the numorous "antique" stores. !HJ The shop's exterior was tempting ! ' and I entered, to find somo Indifferent HJ mahogany littered nbout a sevoro HJ maiden lady who stood framed in an 1HJ oxtremely interesting Interior. I jHJ noted tho disposition of things and HJ was preparing to leave, having Just replaced something on tho shelf where ' HJ it bolongcd, when tho lady said "That will bo ten cents." HJ "Thank you; I really couldn't use It," I replied, edging away tor the H door. "But the charge Is ten cents," she HJ added, coldly, moving nearer. I HJ "So I understand," said I, skillfully i maneuvering for a hurried but dlgnl- H (led exit. "The admission to the store Is ten HI cents," sho put in here, with chilly distinctness, outflanking mo. rHJ For anything savoring of novelty in this fin de sieclo business world lot na ! be truly thankful! Tho shopkeeper who charges you a fee for tho prlvll- I ego of entering her store does not lose In dignity by the proceeding. She insists upon tho disbursement H with such an air of divine right that j HJ for tho moment you feel strangely I HJ llko the recipient of a favor, and i Ml wander down tho street, a proy to j HJ vnguo fears that possibly you may l owe her money. Harper's Maganlno. HH |
