But let it be how and which way it will, whether mercer or draper, or what trade you please, the man that stands behind the counter must be all courtesy, civility, and good manners; he must not be affronted, or any way moved, by any manner of usage, whether owing to casualty or design; if he sees himself ill used, he must wink, and not see it—he must at least not appear to see it, nor any way show dislike or distaste; if he does, he reproaches not only himself but his shop, and puts an ill name upon the general usuage of customers in it; and it is not to be imagined how, in this gossiping, tea-drinking age, the scandal will run, even among people who have had no knowledge of the person first complaining. 'Such a shop!' says a certain lady to a citizen's wife in conversation, as they were going to buy clothes; 'I am resolved I won't go to it; the fellow that keeps it is saucy and rude: if I lay out my money, I expect to be well used; if I don't lay it out, I expect to be well treated.'
'Why, Madam,' says the citizen, 'did the man of the shop use your ladyship ill?'
Lady.—No, I can't say he used me ill, for I never was in his shop.
Cit.—How does your ladyship know he does so then?
Lady.—Why, I know he used another lady saucily, because she gave him a great deal of trouble, as he called it, and did not buy.
Cit.—Was it the lady that told you so herself, Madam?
Lady.—I don't know, really, I have forgot who it was; but I have such a notion in my head, and I don't care to try, for I hate the sauciness of shopkeepers when they don't understand themselves.
Cit.—Well; but, Madam, perhaps it may be a mistake—and the lady that told you was not the person neither?
Lady.—Oh, Madam, I remember now who told me; it was my Lady Tattle, when I was at Mrs Whymsy's on a visiting day; it was the talk of the whole circle, and all the ladies took notice of it, and said they would take care to shun that shop.
Cit.—Sure, Madam, the lady was strangely used; did she tell any of the particulars?