Faith felt her cheeks grow hot at this arrogant insult, but Miss Jennings replied as quietly as ever, "I cannot give you the same shade nor the same width exactly, madam. This is the nearest I have."
She handed her a roll that was a little different from the sample.
"But you must have it! Look again!" commanded the woman, angrily. "You are just trying to save yourself trouble, you lazy hussy!"
Miss Jennings turned very indifferently and called to another of the saleswomen:
"Miss Jones, have we any number twelve lemon in reserve? Here's a sample, and this lady is anxious to match it."
Miss Jones glanced at the sample that Miss Jennings was holding.
"You know very well that we are all out of that," she replied, sharply. "How often have I told you not to bother me with such questions!"
Miss Jennings handed the sample to the customer without the slightest trace of emotion.
"The 'head of stock' says we have none. I trust you will believe her, madam."
The woman snatched her sample and hurried away, while Miss Jennings went to another customer as calmly as though nothing had happened.