Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1863 edition. Excerpt:...Have the goodness, sir, to select those most to your taste." Henry assuming a serious air, observed, "1 shall select this bunch of daisies, and this group of poppies, if we can arrange as to price." "Sir," said Julia, "I really cannot take less than".... and she turned greatly embarrassed to Jane, who said to her: "Go on; you are a very good merchant." "Well," said Julia, "I cannot take less than twenty-five shillings each. But next time you come" "How well she understands business," said Mrs. Temple, upon hearing the price, "she can sell as well as she can paint; she understands everything." "Twenty-five shillings!" said Henry, assuming a dissatisfied air, "it is quite impossible for me to offer you such a price." "AVell, then," said Mrs. Temple, now warmly interfering, "there can be no dealing. Poor dear girls, they have well earned the paltry fifty shillings. If you only knew how many hours it cost them; up early and late; but you never can know. Ah! you don't know " The two sisters vainly attempted to stop the flow of words, till at length, Julia, taking the old lady by the arm, gently, said: "My dear Mrs. Temple, let the gentleman do as he pleases; he will, I am sure, give us what he thinks they are worth." "I cannot think of paying less than fifty shillings a-piece, or five pounds the pair, for such drawings as these," said Henry. "I shall give you an order for a dozen. You will perhaps allow me to fix the price." "But, sir," replied Julia, after a moment's reflection, "you offer me twice as much as I asked." "I only offer you the price I am authorized to...