"And the difference is a trifle—if you like the piece."
"I like it," I said; "but it is very much above my estimate."
"You had one of your own!" said the doctor. "Do you like something else here better?—or what is your estimate, Daisy?"
"I do not want a poor merino," I said. "I would rather get some other stuff—if I can. I do not want to give more than a dollar."
"The young lady may find what will suit her at the plaid counter," said the shopman, letting fall the rich drapery he had been holding up. "Just round that corner, sir, to the left."
Dr. Sandford led the way, and I followed. There certainly I found plenty of warm stuffs, in various patterns and colours, and with prices as various. But nothing to match the grave elegance of those claret folds. It was coming down a step, to leave that counter for this. I knew it perfectly well; while I sought out the simplest and prettiest dark small plaid I could find.
"Do you like these things better?" the doctor asked me privately.
"No, sir," I said.
"Then why come here, Daisy? Pardon me, may I ask?"
"I have other things to get, Dr. Sandford," I said low.