Here two ladies came in.
Captain Bridgeman made a most polite bow. “I trust Mrs Handbell is quite well and Miss Handbell—I hardly need ask the question with the charming colour you have?”
“Captain Bridgeman, you appear to live in this library; I wonder Mrs Keene don’t take you into partnership.”
“If I were not honoured with the custom of Mrs Handbell and other ladies; I fear that my shop would have little attraction for gentlemen,” replied my mother, with a courtesy.
“Mrs Keene is quite correct in her surmise, Miss Handbell,” said Captain Bridgeman, “now that I have seen you, I shall not think my morning thrown away.”
“If report says true, Captain Bridgeman,” replied Mrs Handbell, “you would be quite as often here, even if no ladies were to be customers of Mrs Keene. Mrs Keene, have you any of that narrow French ribbon left?”
“I think I have, madam; it was off this piece, was it not?”
“Yes; but I really don’t know exactly how much I require; perhaps you will measure it and allow me to return what is left?”
“Certainly, madam; will you take it with you, or shall I send it?”
“I wish for it directly; will you be very long in measuring it, for I ought to be home now?”