We entered the shop, and I ordered a suit of the most fashionable
clothes, choosing my colours, and being very minute in my directions to
the foreman, who measured me; but as I was leaving the shop the master,
judging by my appearance, which was certainly not exactly that of a
gentleman, ventured to observe that it was customary with _gentlemen_,
whom they had not the honour of knowing, to leave a deposit. Although
the very proposal was an attack upon my gentility, I made no reply; but
pulling out a handful of guineas, laid down two on the counter, and
walked away, that I might find another shop at which we might order the
livery of Timothy; but this was only as a reconnoitre, as I did not
intend to order his liveries until I could appear in my own clothes,
which were promised on the afternoon of the next day. There were,
however, several other articles to be purchased, such as a trunk,
portmanteau, hat, gloves, &c., all which we procured, and then went back
to the inn. On my return I ordered dinner. Fleta was certainly clad in
her best frock, but bad was the best; and the landlady, who could
extract little from the child, could not imagine who we could be. I had,
however, allowed her to see more than sufficient money to warrant our
expenses; and so far her scruples were, although her curiosity was not,
removed.
That evening I had a long conversation with Fleta. I told her that we
were to part, that she must go to school, and that I would very often
come down to see her. At first, she was inconsolable at the idea; but I
reasoned with her, and the gentle, intelligent creature acknowledged
that it was right. The next day my clothes came home, and I dressed
myself. "Without flattery, Japhet," said Timothy, "you do look very much
like a gentleman." Fleta smiled, and said the same. I thought so too,
but said nothing. Putting on my hat and gloves, and accompanied by
Timothy, I descended to go out and order Tim's liveries, as well as a
fit-out for Fleta.
After I was out in the street I discovered that I had left my
handkerchief, and returned to fetch it. The landlady, seeing a gentleman
about to enter the inn, made a very low courtesy, and it was not until I
looked hard at her that she recognised me. Then I was satisfied; it was
an involuntary tribute to my appearance, worth all the flattering
assertions in the world. We now proceeded to the other tailor's in the
main street. I entered the shop with a flourishing, important air, and
was received with many bows. "I wish," said I, "to have a suit of livery
made for this young man, who is about to enter into my service. I cannot
take him up to town this figure." The livery was chosen, and as I
expressed my wish to be off the next evening, it was promised to be
ready by an hour appointed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account