Read the excerpt from "a pair of silk stockings."
she sat herself upon a revolving stool before a counter that was comparatively deserted, trying to gather strength and courage to charge through an eager multitude that was besieging breastworks of shirting and figured lawn. an all-gone limp feeling had come over her and she rested her hand aimlessly upon the counter.
which best explains why the author chose the words “comparatively deserted” to describe the counter where mrs. sommers sits?
to the reader understand mrs. sommers’ determination to secure objects selling below cost
to the reader visualize mrs. sommers setting herself apart from the more crowded bargain area of the store
to the reader visualize mrs. sommers elbowing her way through the other bargain shoppers
to the reader understand mrs. sommers’ forgetfulness while preparing herself for her shopping outing