Page:Anecdotes of painters, engravers, sculptors and architects, and curiosities of art (IA anecdotesofpaint01spoo).pdf/156

 so much of that kind of traveling curiosity in New England as in Britain. To the round-about inquiries to find out his calling or profession, Stuart answered with a grave face and serious tone,

"'I sometimes dress gentlemen's and ladies' hair" (at that time, the high craped, pomatumed hair was all the fashion).

"'You are a hair dresser, then?'

"'What,' said he, 'do I look like a barber?'

'"I beg your pardon, sir, but I inferred it from what you said. If I mistook you, I may take the liberty to ask you what you are then?'

"'Why, I sometimes brush a gentleman's coat or hat, and sometimes adjust a cravat.'

"'O, you are a valet, then, to some nobleman?'

"'A valet! Indeed sir, I am not. I am not a servant. To be sure, I make coats and waistcoats for gentlemen.'

"'O, you are a tailor?'

"'A tailor! Do I look like a tailor? I assure you, I never handled a goose, other than a roasted one.'

By this time they were all in a roar.

"'What are you, then?' said one.

"'I'll tell you,' said Stuart. 'Be assured, all I have told you is literally true. I dress hair, brush hats and coats, adjust a cravat, and make coats, waistcoats, and breeches, and likewise boots and shoes, at your service.'

"'O, ho! a boot and shoemaker after all!'