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, etcetera, 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 liveries, as well as a
fitout 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.
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