One day while shopping in a small town in southern California, it was my misfortune to be approached by a clerk whose personality conflicted with mine. He seemed most unfriendly and not at all concerned about my intended purchase. I bought nothing, and marched angrily out of the store. My _ toward that clerk increased with each step. On the outside, standing by the road, was a dark-skinned young man in his early twenties. His expressive brown eyes met and held mine, and in the next instant a beautiful, dazzling smile covered his face. I gave way immediately. The magnetic power of that smile dissolved all bitterness within me, and I found the muscles in my own face happily responding. "Beautiful day, isn't it?" I remarked in passing. Then, I turned back. "I really owe you a debt of gratitude," I said softly. His smile deepened, but he made no attempt to answer. A Mexican woman and two men were standing nearby. The woman stepped forward and eyed me inquiringly. "Sir, but he doesn't speak English," she volunteered. "You want I should tell him something?" At that moment I felt transformed. The young man's smile had made a big person of me. "Yes," my reply was enthusiastic and sincere, "tell him I said 'Thank you!' " "Thank you?" The woman seeded slightly puzzled. I gave her arm a friendly pat as I turned to leave. "Just tell him that," I insisted. "He will understand; I am sure!" Oh, what a smile can do! Although I have never seen that young man, I shall never forget the lesson he taught me that morning. From that day on, I became smile-conscious, and I practice the art diligently, anywhere and everywhere, with everybody. The author asked the woman to say "Thank you!" to the young man because the young man  _  .
taught the author a valuable lesson taught the author how to smile had offered help to the author was a friendly employee of the shop