My mother, remarkably nicely dressed, is busy opening a parcel of new books just arrived. My aunt Milly behind the counter, on the gentlemen's side, pretending to be working upon a piece of muslin about five inches square. Mr Flat sitting near the table, fallen back in his chair, apparently watching the flies on the ceiling. Captain Bridgeman, a very good-looking man, very slight, but extremely active, is sitting at the counter opposite to where my aunt is standing, a small black cane, with a silver head to it, in his hand, and his gloves peculiarly clean and well-fitting. He has an eye as sharp as an eagle's, a slight hook to his nose, thin lips, and very white teeth; his countenance is as full of energy and fire as that of lieutenant Flat is heavy and unmeaning. "Miss Amelia, if I may take the liberty," said Captain Bridgeman, pointing with his cane to the bit of muslin she is employed upon; "what are you making? it's too small for any part of a lady's dress." "It is quite large enough for a cuff, Captain Bridgeman." "A cuff; then you are making a cuff, I presume?" "Indeed she is not, Captain Bridgeman," replies my mother; "it is only to keep herself out of mischief. She spoils a bit like that every week. And that's why it is so small, Captain Bridgeman; it would be a pity to spoil a larger piece." "I really was not aware that such a mere trifle would keep you out of mischief," said the captain. "You know," replied Aunt Milly, "that idleness is the root of all evil, Captain Bridgeman." "Flat, do you hear that?" says Captain Bridgeman. "What?" replies Flat. "That idleness is the root of all evil; what an evil-disposed person you must be." "I was thinking," replied Flat. "I suspect it's only lately you've taken to that. Who or what were you thinking about?" "Well, I believe I was thinking how long it would be before dinner was ready." "That's very rude, Mr Flat; you might have said that you were thinking about me," replied my aunt. "Well, so I was at first, and then I began to think of dinner-time." "Don't be offended, Miss Amelia; Flat pays you a great compliment in dividing his attentions; but I really wish to know why ladies will spoil muslin in such a predetermined manner. Will you explain that, Mrs Keene?" "Yes, Captain Bridgeman: a piece of work is very valuable to a woman, especially when she finds herself in company with gentlemen like you. It saves her from looking down, or looking at you, when you are talking nonsense; it prevents your reading in her eyes what is passing in her mind, or discovering what effect your words may have upon her; it saves much awkwardness, and very often a blush; sometimes a woman hardly knows which way to look; sometimes she may look any way but the right. Now a bit of muslin with a needle is a remedy for all that, for she can look down at her work, and not look up till she thinks it advisable."