Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/88

 goods, fancy articles, pickles, icons, ready-made clothing, shoes, and Chinese goods were some of the things which were offered for sale. In rooms about six feet square, containing a show-case and counter, we found the most desirable wares. Most of the stock in trade was suspended on the walls, or tucked away in dark corners. There was a goodly array of booths in the streets, and men in greasy sheepskins stood outside and invited us to purchase. They did not seem offended when we refused to buy, but asked us to call again.

The atmosphere and general appearance of the place was so filthy and shabby that Grace was inclined to look upon it with scorn; but Tom grew very enthusiastic. He held long conversations with the vendors, in Russian, invariably tried to make bargains for things which he did not want, and was generally unsuccessful,—getting hopelessly muddled in his Russian, and appealing to George to help him out. A copper samovar took his fancy particularly; and, finding that the price was twenty roubles, Tom offered the man eight. By the aid of smiles, shrugs, and various gestures, the conversation grew quite animated; but the merchant refused to take less than fourteen roubles, and we left the shop, Tom extremely downcast.

"Because, you know, it was a bargain at fourteen; and I was an idiot not to take it."

We wandered through the alleys, and at the end of two hours found that we women had spent all our money, and Tom had only a few roubles left,—having purchased some unset turquoises, a pair of silver vases, a