“You will be sure and send them?”
“You shall not be disappointed, Major.”
“Very well.”
Major Pierpoint took three decided steps towards the door and then turned.
“Twelve o’clock, Mrs. Phelps.”
“Yes sir, they shall be there precisely.”
The Major still did not move. There was evidently something he wished to say more, but was at a loss how to say it. All at once he turned back to the counter.
“By-the-bye, Mrs. Phelps, you may, if you please, let the same young person bring them that took the linens. That old woman, the last time she came, like to have broke her neck by catching her foot in the brass stair band. Besides, she is deaf as a post.”
“I will send Mary, then,” said Mrs. Phelps, smiling.
“You are very obliging, my dear madam. Good evening.” And Major Pierpoint walked out of the shop with a free, light step, and a bland smile illumining his handsome features.