I could hardly tell how men and women in extremities of destitution proceeded.

I did not know whether either of these articles would be accepted: probably they would not; but I must try.
I entered the shop: a woman was there.

Seeing a respectably-dressed person, a lady as she supposed, she came forward with civility.

How could she serve me?
I was seized with shame: my tongue would not utter the request I had prepared.

I dared not offer her the half-worn gloves, the creased handkerchief: besides, I felt it would be absurd.