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 consider, as Mrs. Larry said a few moments ago, the superior freshness and nutritive value of the food bought in this way."

"To sum up the situation," said Mr. Norton, "you do not consider that parcel post to date is a big aid to economy in marketing?"

"That's about it," assented Mr. Larry, "and it will not be until the farmer and the housewife establish an amicable understanding as to prices."

"And now, Teresa, for our department-store experiences," said Mrs. Larry.

"Our first lesson in department-store sleuthing was the fact that the bargain counter is the natural enemy to thrift; the second, that the woman who buys, not for to-day alone, but for next week, next month, next year, must demand standardized goods.

"First, as to bargain sales: If a merchant announces silk gloves at seventy-nine cents, formerly sold for one dollar, one of two conditions exists-either he overcharged his customers when he sold the gloves for one dollar, or he is losing money on the gloves at seventy-nine cents. Men are not in business to lose money.