Chapter 9 - Page 2

was done so quietly, however, and in so lady-like a manner, that the
attention of no person in the shop was drawn to them by this natural
indulgence of surprise. Still I observed that neither of the young lades
inquired the PRICES, these being considerations that had no influence
on the intrinsic value, in their eyes; while the circumstance caused my
heart to sink within me, as it clearly proved they did not intend to
purchase, and I longed to become the property of the gentle, serene-
eyed Anne. After thanking Mr. Bobbinet for the trouble he had taken,
they ordered their purchases sent home, and were about to quit the
shop.

"Can't I persuade you to take THIS?" demanded Bobbinet, as they
were turning away. There is not its equal in America. Indeed, one of the
house, our Colonel Silky, who has just returned from Paris, says it was
worked expressly for the dauphine, who was prevented from getting it
by the late revolution."

"It IS a pity so much lace and such exquisite work should be put on a
pocket-handkerchief," said Anne, almost involuntarily. "I fear if they
were on something more suitable, I might buy them."

A smile, a slight blush, and curtsy, concluded the interview; and the
young ladies hastily left the shop. Mr. Bobbinet was disappointed, as,
indeed, was Col. Silky, who was present, en amateur; but the matter
could not be helped, as these were customers who acted and thought
for themselves, and all the oily persuasion of shop-eloquence could not
influence them.

{en amateur = in the guise of a connoisseur}

"It is quite surprising, colonel," observed Mr. Bobbinet, when his
customers were properly out of hearing, "that THESE young ladies
should let such an article slip through their fingers. Their father is one of
the richest men we have; and yet they never even asked the price."

"I fancy it was not so much the PRICE that held 'em back," observed
the colonel, in his elegant way, as something else. There are a sort of
customers that don't buy promiscuously; they do every thing by rule.
They don't believe that a nightcap is intended for a bed-quilt."

Bobbinet & Co. did not exactly understand his more sophisticated
partner; but before he had time to ask an explanation, the appearance
of another customer caused his face to brighten, and changed the
current of his thoughts. The person who now entered was an
exceedingly brilliant looking girl of twenty, dressed in the height of
fashion, and extremely well, though a severe critic might have thought
she was OVER dressed for the streets, still she had alighted from a
carriage. Her face was decidedly handsome, and her person exquisitely
proportioned.