I might cut it to waste, or--he said no
more; but I do really think he meant I might purloin it."
"Why wasn't I there to look him into the earth? Oh, mamma, that you
should be subjected to all this!"
"Be quiet, child; I had only to put on my armour; and do you know what my
armour is? Thinking of my children. So I put on my armour, and said
quietly, we were not so poor but we could pay for a piece of cloth should
I be so unfortunate as to spoil it; and I offered in plain terms to
deposit the price as security. But he turned as stiff at that as his yard
measure; 'that was not Cross and Co.'s way of doing business,' he said.
But it is unreasonable to be dejected at a repulse or two; and I am not
out of spirits; not much:" with this her gentle mouth smiled; and her
patient eyes were moist.
The next day, just after breakfast, was announced a gentleman from the
City. He made his bow and produced a parcel, which proved to be a pattern
cloak. "Order, ladies," said he briskly, "from Cross, Fitchett, and Co.,
Primrose Lane. Porter outside with the piece. You can come in, sir.
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