"The hue is most beautiful, to be sure, but the fabric of this is better;--and this,--and this," she continued, applying the scientific touch to each in turn. "It seems to me that all the pieces of that one pattern,--the olive green, and the blue, and the violet,--are of a poorer fabric than the rest. But the figure is completely French, to be sure." Mrs. Alexander observed that the Brighton ladies, and some at Hastings, had taken a great fancy to that particular pattern; and it was selling rapidly at some of the principal shops. "Well, now, if I had seen those pieces at a shop,--if I had met with them anywhere but here, I should have pronounced them English. It is very odd that all of that one figure should have less substance than the others. Did they come over as part of the same cargo?" "Stowed cheek-by-jowl in the hold of the lugger that was but six hours out of sight," Mrs. Alexander declared. "I suppose they have been only just landed," observed Elizabeth, "for you would not keep such a stock as this by you, with so many enemies about. I wonder you are not afraid." "It is only for a few hours, ma'am; just till the carriers come back from their present errand. I do not sell in any but a chance way, as you know, ma'am; and----" "I always supposed your husband had been a batman, and I am told the batmen are often paid in goods," interrupted Elizabeth. "In part, ma'am; but the greater portion of what is before you is here only on trust. We take care to keep them out of sight of the few whose business it is to ruin the coast; but, for that matter, the hands that served to land and stow ten times as much as all this, are enough to defend what is left. But the carriers will be back soon, and then----" "And then they will have something else to do than to set off for Brighton again immediately,--if you mean the gipsies." And Elizabeth explained that they would have to attend the wake of the old woman, for two or three nights together. This was such important news that Mrs. Alexander instantly sent one of the children in search of his father, and seemed now careless as to whether her visiter made a purchase or not. After selecting a package of gloves which was too large for her pocket, and was therefore to be left behind till a favourable opportunity should occur of conveying them unseen, Elizabeth detained a two-inch pattern of the silk whose figure she most admired, and which was somewhat cheaper than the rest, from the inferiority of its quality. She must consult her mother, she declared, and should probably send an order for a quantity sufficient for two or three dresses. Her desire to obtain some of the benefits of this importation was enhanced by the woman's apparent indifference as to whether she indulged in a purchase. She resolved to make all speed homewards, and to persuade her mother, and, if possible, Matilda, to seize the opportunity of decking themselves in contraband fabrics.