VANITY FAIR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 197, 21 August 1931, Page 2

VANITY FAIR

BENEDICTIONS AND REPLIES.

Shopping in America is a friendly occupation. The chief difficulty io an Englishwoman is to find suitable replies. The deferential; ‘ Good morning, Madam,” of the English grocer has an established and inevitable answer. But how to reply to the ‘77 u110-ee” of a young grocer’s assistant in America, especially when that remark is accompanied by an engaging smile, is a perplexity— at least to an Englishwoman. Again, what should have been the answer when, on handing over a purchase, the girl behind the counter said graciously; “Thanks a lot, come in again one day" ? The tone Was so indicative of a cordial invitation to a friend’s house, that the Englishwoman had answered; "Thank y°u s o much,” before the humour of it occurred to her. There have been many unexpected courtesies, echoing like benedictions down the day. "I hope you’ll enjoy the book," said the woman at the station bookstall. “I do hope you'll enjoy wearing it" said a girl as she wrapped up a dress. But perhaps the greatest surprise came upon a second visit to the hairdresser’s. A girl’s arm slipped impulsively across the Englishwoman’s shoulders and a voice of affectionate solicitude inquired; "How are you after your permanent?"