The word SIXTY was emphasized in a way to show the importance that was attached to PRICE—that being a test of more than common importance with the present customer. I sighed when I remembered that poor Adrienne had received but about ten dollars for ME—an article worth so much more than that there exhibited.
"It is really very pretty, Mr. Bobbinet, very pretty, but Miss Monson bought one not quite as pretty, at Lace's; and SHE payed SIXTY-FIVE, if I am not mistaken."
"I dare say; we have them at much higher prices. I showed YOU this only that you might see that OUR SIXTIES are as handsome as MR. LACE'S sixty-FIVES. What do you think of THIS?"
"That IS a jewel! What IS the price, Mr. Bobbinet?"
"Why, we will let YOU have it for seventy, though I do think it ought to bring five more."
"Surely you do not abate on pocket-handkerchiefs! One doesn't like to have such a thing TOO low."
"Ah, I may as well come to the point at once with such a customer as yourself, Miss Halfacre; here is the article on which I pride myself. THAT article never WAS equalled in this market, and never WILL be."
I cannot repeat half the exclamations of delight which escaped the fair Eudosia, when I first burst on her entranced eye. She turned me over and over, examined me with palpitating bosom, and once I thought she was about to kiss me; then, in a trembling voice, she demanded the price.
"ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS, ma'am;" answered Bobbinet, solemnly. "Not a cent more, on my honor."
"No, surely!" exclaimed Eudosia, with delight instead of alarm. "Not a HUNDRED!"