'No,' said George; 'but let me show you something more interesting.'
'Then it's rather fortunate I called, for I fancy I know a buyer. It's a large line of steamers I have a share in that are starting, and want a big consignment of blankets to be numbered and delivered by a near date,' said Mr Cunningham; and he began to go into figures with George.
The two went off with the manager to do some telephoning, and Lady Grace Cunningham walked on with the two girls to the dyeing-rooms. Sarah felt more than ever that she could not say anything, though she showed the new shade and the cloth.
'Oh mother, do have a coat and skirt of it!' cried Horatia. 'It does suit you so well! Just see!'
'But I don't suppose I am allowed to buy it wholesale like this?' Lady Grace protested.
'I believe one firm in London has stocked some. George will know the name,' said Sarah; but her eyes were shining with such pleasure that Lady Grace saw that the suggestion had given great pleasure.
'If you will let me have the name I will certainly order a costume. I have never seen the shade, and I think it ought to become very popular; it is such a good winter colour,' she said.
'Thank you very much,' said Sarah quietly; but her face said a great deal more.
When Mr Cunningham joined them, Horatia insisted on his looking at the new cloth. He admired it as much as his wife, and said, 'I wish you'd have a dress of that shade. I'm so sick of dull colours, and this is really becoming.'
Horatia clapped her hands. 'She's going to when Mr Clay tells us the name of the place where you can buy it.'