adapted from Anne of Green Gables
by L. M. Montgomery
Matthew wondered why Marilla always kept Anne so plainly and soberly gowned. Surely it would do no harm to let the child have one pretty dress. So, Matthew betook himself to Carmody to buy one, resolved to go to Samuel Lawson's store, for in such a matter as this, requiring explanation and consultation, Matthew felt that he must be sure of a man behind the counter.
Alas! Matthew did not know that Samuel had set up a lady clerk; she was a very dashing young person indeed, with a huge, drooping pompadour, and a most
bewildering smile.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Cuthbert?" Miss Lucilla Harris inquired. "Have you any-any--any-well now, say any garden rakes?" stammered Matthew.
Miss Harris looked somewhat surprised, to hear a man inquiring for garden rakes in December.
"I believe we have one or two left over," she said, "but they're upstairs." 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."
"We only keep hayseed in the spring," she explained loftily.
"Oh, certainly certainly-," stammered unhappy Matthew, seizing the rake and making for the door when he recollected he had not paid for it and turned miserably back. While Miss Harris was counting his change, he rallied his powers for a final desperate attempt.
"Well now if it isn't too much trouble-I might as well-that is-I'd like to look at-at-some sugar."
"There's a barrel of it over there," said Miss Harris, shaking her bangles at it. "It's the only kind we have." "T-I'll take twenty pounds," said Matthew, beads of perspiration standing on his forehead. Matthew had driven halfway home before he was his own man again, and decided a woman was required to cope with the situation, so to Mrs. Lynde he went
accordingly, and that good lady promptly took the matter out of the abashed man's hands.
How is Matthew's discomfort around women developed in this passage?
A. Every time he tries to ask about the dress, he asks for things he does not need.
B. He stammers every time the clerk asks him a question.
C. Every time he tries to ask about the dress, he asks for gardening things instead.
D. He is gripping the rake and begins perspiring on his forehead.
