"If government would please to protect the consumers' money," observed Culver, "they would have more to spend on the produce of my looms. All I ask is that the people's purses may be protected, and we manufacturers left to take care of ourselves. Government has been so long killing us with kindness that I doubt whether we shall ever get over it. However, cut me a pattern of your silk, and I will consult with my cleverest workman, and let you know what we can do."
"Certainly:--that is,--I am sure I may trust your honour."
"My interest, if not my honour. You must know very well that our books are not so full of orders just now as to make us willing to throw a chance one into other hands."
"True, true! But a rival house----"
"Will not interfere with you while you agree to fair terms. I will be off to my factotum, as I call him, in my business matters. I hope Mrs. Breme is well, and the young ladies?"
"The children are well enough; but my wife has not got over the autumn fogs yet. She would not be persuaded to leave Brighton till the royal party had removed; and the consequence is just what I expected. Her chest is so delicate that I doubt whether she will get across the doors this winter. It is really a very animated, an extremely fascinating scene, you know, when the royal household are at hand. Your young folks are flourishing, I hope?"
"Quite so. Good evening. My best respects to your lady."
"Good evening. O, Mr. Culver, just one thing more! You said something about your stock. Have you a good assortment that one might select a few pieces from,--of grave colours,--at moderate prices?"
"O yes. Will you come and see?"
"I think I will," replied Breme, looking round for his hat. "And a good many blacks?"