A visit to the Bazaar

by Lover of children

"I understand you, papa, and will try to recollect. I know that it is to the northern countries that we are indebted for our furs. The ermine, whose beautiful white fur and black tail lines the coronets and mantles of our nobles, creeps among the snows of Siberia, and the north of Russia. There too is the sable, whose fur is so dear, that I think you once told me, a robe lined with it, is often valued at a thousand pounds. We also import furs from America, and I believe frequently make use of that belonging to the pretty innocent rabbit, and the graceful cat, to line our muffs and shoes."

"They suffer alike with the faithful dog, my dear," said her father, "as well as other animals who are killed for our use. In the northern regions the natives could not stir from their homes, unless they were shielded from the severity of the weather, by lining their clothes with fur. Even in England, the gentlemen feel the comforts of fur on their great coats, and the ladies enjoy the benefit of their muffs and tippets, although our winter is not to be compared with that of other countries."

"Mamma! mamma!" cried Caroline, "there is the very same old lady looking at that beautiful crape dress, at the

DRESS MAKER'S,

Dress Maker

who was trying on the large straw hat with such a profusion of feathers and flowers."

"Hush! my lovely girl," said her mamma, "if you are not more silent I must take you home."

"It is just the thing, Mrs. Tasteful," screamed out the old lady. "It will suit my figure exactly. Square bosom, and off the shoulders, why with a lace frill I shall look delightful. A saucy fellow had the impudence to tell me, as I was getting out of my carriage, that I had better wear my petticoat a little longer to hide my legs, and put a shawl on to conceal my neck. The fool had no more taste than a Hottentot. Well, my dear woman, you will let me have this dress immediately. I am going out to a ball this evening, and shall want to put it on. Primrose coloured crape over white sarsenet. Charming, I declare!"

"Come on, my dears," said Mr. Durnford, hastily, "I have no inclination to listen any longer to such disgusting vanity and folly. The age of that lady ought to have enabled her to set good examples to the younger and inexperienced part of her sex, instead of which she is only a disgrace to it. Come on, my dears, I will not stay a moment longer, lest another burst of weakness should offend my ear. You all know what is the province of a dress maker, therefore it requires no explanation."