“Yes,” added the peddler, quaintly, “that is only wanting to make Dinah look like a rainbow.”
Caesar eyed his young mistress eagerly, until she inquired of Harvey the price of the article.
“Why, much as I light of chaps,” said the peddler.
“How much?” demanded Sarah in surprise.
“According to my luck in finding purchasers; for my friend Dinah, you may have it at four shillings.”
“It is too much,” said Sarah, turning to some goods for herself.
“Monstrous price for coarse calico, Mister Birch,” grumbled Caesar, dropping the opening of the pack again.
“We will say three, then,” added the peddler, “if you like that better.”
“Be sure he like ’em better,” said Caesar, smiling good-humoredly, and reopening the pack; “Miss Sally like a t’ree shilling when she give, and a four shilling when she take.”
The bargain was immediately concluded; but in measuring, the cloth wanted a little of the well-known ten yards required by the dimensions of Dinah. By dint of a strong arm, however, it grew to the desired length, under the experienced eye of the peddler, who conscientiously added a ribbon of corresponding brilliancy with the calico; and Caesar hastily withdrew, to communicate the joyful intelligence to his aged partner.