Afer scanned her over and smiled again—the girl was certainly favoured with good looks, but, at the same time, it was amusing to observe to what great extent the knowledge of the fact had increased her importance in her own eyes.
‘I have heard that he is skilful in his work, and I came to see for myself; these are his handiwork, I presume?’
He nodded to the ware with which the shelves were filled, and his query was answered in the affirmative.
‘I will look at them. You are his daughter; is it not so?’
‘I am,’ replied Neæra, and resolving to be rid of the company of this individual, whose impertinence and patronising air were so irritating, she added that her father should attend to his wants himself, and she accordingly turned to go to the workshop and fetch him.
‘No! no!’ exclaimed Afer, detaining her with his hand, and giving a slight laugh, ‘I have no consuming desire to make your worthy father’s acquaintance; and, besides, there is no occasion to take him from his work. He is industrious, and would not like it, and, moreover, knows very well that the care of his customers is in better hands as it is. I prefer—and who would not—to have your own fair hands submit these specimens for my approval, and your own fair lips to sound their praises.’
‘Will you please to look for yourself, noble sir, and see whether there be anything suitable?’ answered Neæra, curtly and loftily.
‘Naturally,’ he replied, with a cold smile, ‘but am I not to have your aid in my selection?’
‘I cannot perceive how I can be of help; you know your own taste better than I.’
‘It is true I have been thought to have some small share of taste in such matters, and to comprehend thoroughly what little I possess; but in the midst of such a bewildering collection of treasures as I see here around me, my perception [pg 249]is at fault, and requires strengthening. I require one specimen, and I leave the selection to your superior judgment.’