The album was placed in the ornate box--itself no mean bibelot--and wrapped in paper.
"It's for Winona," the purchaser loftily explained to his white-faced brother.
"I must say!" exclaimed the latter, strongly moved.
"I'm going to buy a beautiful present for every one," added the now fatuous giver.
"Every one!" It was all Merle could manage, and even it caused him to gulp.
"Every one," repeated the hopeless addict.
And even as he said it he was snared again, this time by an immense advertising placard propped on the counter.

It hymned the virtues of the Ajax Invigorator.

To the left sagged a tormented male victim of many ailments meticulously catalogued below, but in too fine print for offhand reading by one in a hurry.

The frame of the sufferer was bent, upheld by a cane, one hand poignantly resting on his back.

The face was drawn with pain and despair.