"Well, it's listed at 'AWK/-', but to you, madam, the price is—"
I looked at her, smiling.
"Yes?" she said, with her grey eyes on mine. Her eyebrows were raised a little, and the soft lips had taken on the curve that tells of laughter hardly controlled.
"Another look like that," said I, "and I'll give it you and pay the carriage."
She broke into a long ripple of delight. Then she took her seat upon 'The Nobleman's' broad edge and regarded me mischievously.
"I think you ought to apologize," she said severely.
"Who took me for a salesman?" said I.
"I never did that. You see, I've been looking at basins over there"—she pointed in the direction of the iron doors—"and they said if I came through here, I should find one of the partners. Besides, I wasn't a bit sure when I first spoke, but, as you had no hat—And then you led me on. Still, I beg your pardon."
"Not at all. The partner's a very nice chap. And the mischief is reparable. I mean—"
"Where is the partner?"