"That is all that remains," she said. "We have never kept it in stock; it is far too expensive. Of course it can be made to order, though it would take some months, and cost a good deal." "I wish I could order a service of it," I said; but when I heard how much it would probably cost it was my turn to shake my head. "No, I must consider about it," I decided; "but I really have never seen anything prettier. Can I buy this cup?" The woman hesitated. "It is the only one left," she said; "but I think--oh yes, I feel sure--we have the pattern among the painting designs. This cup belonged to, or rather was an extra one of, a tea-service made expressly for the Duchess of T----, on her marriage, now some years ago. And it is curious, we sold the other one--there were two too many--to a compatriot of yours (the gracious lady is English?) two or three years ago. He admired them so much, and felt sure his mother would send an order if he took it home to show her. A tall, handsome young man he was. I remember it so well; just about this time of the year, and hot, sultry weather like this. He was travelling on foot--for pleasure, no doubt--for he had quite the air of a _milord_. And he bought the cup, and took it with him. But he has never written! I made sure he would have done so." "He did not leave his name or address?" I said; for the world is a small place: it was just possible I might have known him, and the little coincidence would have been curious. "Oh no," said the woman. "But I have often wondered why he changed his mind. He seemed so sure about sending the order. It was not the price that made him hesitate; but he wished his lady mother to make out the list herself." "Well, I confess the price _does_ make _me_ hesitate," I said, smiling. "However, if you will let me buy this cup, I have great hopes of proving a better customer than my faithless compatriot." "I am sure he _meant_ to send the order," said the woman. She spoke quite civilly, but I was not sure that she liked my calling him "faithless." "It is evident," I said to Frau von Walden, "that the good-looking young Englishman made a great impression on her. I rather think she gave _him_ the fellow cup for nothing." But after all I had no reason to be jealous, for just then the woman returned, after consulting the manager, to tell me I might have the cup and saucer, and for a less sum than their real worth, seeing that I was taking it, in a sense, as a pattern. Then she wrapped it up for me, carefully and in several papers, of which the outside one was bright blue; and, very proud of my acquisition, I followed Frau von Walden to the other side of the building containing the workrooms, where we found the two children full of interest about all they had seen.