Presently Phillis rose suddenly, and taking the opera-cloak which the Duchess was about to put on, said:
"You are tired. I will try it on myself. Pray sit down and rest."
And she actually placed a chair for the shop-girl.
Mrs. Cassilis gave a little jump of surprise. It had never occurred to her that a shopwoman could be entitled to any consideration at all. She belonged to the establishment; the shop and all that it contained were at the service of those who bought; the personnel was a matter for Messrs. Melton & Mowbray to manage.
But she recovered her presence of mind in a moment.
"Perhaps it will be as well," she said, "to see how it suits you by trying it on yourself."
When their purchases were completed and they were coming away, Phillis turned to the poor Duchess, and asked her if she was not very tired of trying on dresses, and whether she would not like to take a rest, and if she was happy, with one or two other questions; at which the saleswoman looked a little indignant and the Duchess a little inclined to cry.
And then they came away.
"It is not usual, Phillis," said Mrs. Cassilis, directly they were in the carriage, "for ladies to speak to shop-people."
"Is it not? The poor girl looked pale and tired."