Page:Female Prose Writers of America.djvu/437

 “How much is it?” inquired he.

“Fourteen shillings,” replied Mr. Saunders.

“He said it was two dollars,” exclaimed Ellen.

“I beg pardon,” said the crest-fallen Mr. Saunders, “the young lady mistook me; I was speaking of another piece when I said two dollars.”

“He said this was two dollars, and the gray fourteen shillings,” said Ellen.

“Is the gray fourteen shillings?” inquired the old gentleman.

“I think not, sir,” answered Mr. Saunders&mdash;“I believe not, sir,&mdash;I think it’s only twelve,&mdash;I’ll inquire, if you please, sir.”

“No, no,” said the old gentleman, “I know it was only twelve&mdash;I know your tricks, sir. Cut a piece off the blue. Now, my dear, are there any more pieces of which you would like to take patterns, to show your mother?”

“No, sir,” said the overjoyed Ellen; “I am sure she will like one of these.”

“Now, shall we go, then?”

“If you please, sir,” said Ellen, “I should like to have my bit of merino that I brought from home; mamma wanted me to bring it back again.”

“Where is it?”

“That gentleman threw it on the floor.”

“Do you hear, sir?” said the old gentleman; “find it directly.”

Mr. Saunders found and delivered it, after stooping in search of it till he was very red in the face; and he was left, wishing heartily that he had some safe means of revenge, and obliged to come to the conclusion that none was within his reach, and that he must stomach his indignity in the best manner he could. But Ellen and her protector went forth most joyously together from the store. 