Missus Sommers then took the elevator to an upper floor. She went into the ladies’ rest area. In an empty corner, she replaced her cotton stockings with the new silk ones. For the first time she seemed to be taking a rest from the tiring act of thought. Some machine-like force was now directing her actions. How good was the touch of the silk on her skin! She felt like lying back in the soft chair and enjoying the richness of it. She did for a little while. Then she put her shoes back on. She put her old stockings into her bag. Next, she went to the shoe department. She sat down and waited to be fitted. The young shoe salesman could not guess about her background. He could not understand her worn old shoes with her beautiful new stockings. She tried on a pair of new boots. Her foot and ankle looked very lovely. She told the young salesman that she wanted a stylish fit. She did not mind paying extra. After buying the new boots, she went to the glove department. A young shop girl drew a soft leather glove over Missus Sommers’s hand. She buttoned it neatly. Both women quietly praised the little gloved hand.