"Certainly, sir. Ordinary morning dress, sir, or is it evening dress, or both? Will you kindly step this way, sir?"
"We will all step this way," said momma.
"It would be a morning coat and waistcoat then, sir, would it not? And trousers of a different—somewhat lighter——"
"Well, no," the Senator replied. "Something I could wear around pretty much all day."
My calm regard forbade the gentleman's outfitter to smile, even in the back of his head.
"I think I understand, sir. Now, here is something that is being a good deal worn just now. Beautiful finish."
"Nothing brownish, thank you," said momma, with decision.
"No, madam? Then perhaps you would prefer this, sir. More on the iron gray, sir."
"That would certainly be more becoming," said momma. "And I like that invisible line. But it's rather too woolly. I'm afraid it wouldn't keep its appearance. What do you think, Mamie?"
"Oh, there's no woolliness, madam." The gentleman's outfitter's tone implied that wool was the last thing he would care to have anything to do with. "It's the nap. And as to the appearance of these goods"—he smiled slightly—"well, we put our reputation on them, that's all. I can't say more than that. But I have the same thing in a smooth finish, if you would prefer it."