“Very well,” I said. “I understand that I climb over these wardrobes, cut my way through the carpets, and proceed straight through the wall.”
“Past the hosiery, Madam, straight through on——”
I took the young man’s arm and asked if he would mind coming with me. “Now, tell me,” I said confidentially, as we threaded our way to the right, and up and down the stairs, round the gallery and home by the gent.’s outfitting. “Just stop a moment and try to follow what I am saying. You see this ribbon counter on my right?”
“Yes, Madam.”
“And the silk remnants in front of me?”
“Yes, Madam.”
“And the stationery at the back?”
“Yes, Madam.”
“Very well then, how can all these points of the compass be straight through on the left?”
“It all depends which way you are standing, Madam.”