The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-06-26
Miscellaneous.
The strawberry-Woma
BY II. 8. ARTHUR.


~ ,.ly. in the hope of seeing the face of n Gus
amer. She did not look in vain, for the
a J,ilI sound of her voice brought forward n
DIV, dressed in n silk morning wrapper, who
Gckoned her TO stop. The woman lifted
6e heavy tray from her head, and placing it
n uuouthe doorstep, sat YEARLY down.
"aWhats the price of your strawberries"
oskedhc lady, az she came to the door.
Ten cents box, madam. They are right
fcsh."
Ten ccnts" replied the lady, in tone of
surprise, drawing herself up and looking
crave Then shaking her head, and com
PRESSING her lips firmly, she added
d can't give ten cents for Strawberries. It's
100 much"
"You can't get such strawberries as these
N for less, !madan," said the woman. 81 got a
levy Il box for them yesterday"
"Thcn you got too much, that's all I've got
to say. never pay such prices | bought
strawberries in market yesterday, just us
good as yours, for eight cents box"
a don't know how they do to sell them at
that price," returned the woman. "Mne
cOstncarly eight cents, and ought to bring me
at least twelve. But am willing to take ten,
so that can sell out quickly. It's very hot
day." And the woman wiped, with her u
pron, the pcrspiration from her glowing face.
"No won't pay ten cents" said the lady
acoldly, "PlI give you forty cents for five
4 gnrts, aud nothing more"
n But madam, they cost me within trino
a ccight cents quart"
81 can't help that You paid too much
for them, and this must be your loss, not
mine, i'll buy your strawberries. l never
pay for other peoples mistakes. l under
stand the use ofmoncy much better than that
The poor woman did not feel very well.
The day was unusually hot and sultry, and
her tray felt heavier, and tired her more than
usual. Five boxes would Tighten it, and if
she sold her berries at eight cents, she would
clear two cents and half and that made her
something.
"rl tell you what I will do" she said, uf-
Ter thinking Il few moments; don't feel as
we'll as usual to day, and my tray is heavy.
Five boxes sold will be something You
shall have them at nine cents. They cost
me seven and half, and Pm sure it's worth
a cent and halfa box to cry them about the
streets such hot weather rs this"
81 have told you, my good woman, exactly
what will do" said the customer, with dig
nifty. "Ifyou are willing to take what offer
you, say so, if not, we needn't stand here any
longer"
"Wcll, suppose you will have to take them
replied the strawberry woman, seeing that
there WASH hope of doing better. "But it's
too little.
'Its enough" said the lady, as she turned
to Gala servant. Five boxes of fine, large
large strawberries were received, and forty
cents paid for them. The lady recntered the
parIor, pleased at her good bargain, while the
poor woman turned from the door sad and
dlsheartcncd. She walked nearly the dis
lance of square before she could trust her
voice to utter the monotonous cry of
"Strawbreea, Strawb'vest''
An hour aftcrward, friend called upon
Mrs. Micr, tho lady who had bought the straw
berries. After taking about various matters
and things interesting to lady housekcepers,
Mrs. Mier said
GLOW much did you pay for strawberries
this morning."
"Tcn cents"
"You paid too much. bought them for
eight"
"For eight! Were they good oncs?"
"Stcp into the dining room and will show
them to YOU"
The ladies stepped into the dining room,
when Mrs. Mier displayed her large red her,
mes, which were really much finer than she
'"d III III Sl SuppUSCu tHCtll 10 nc.
you didn't get them for eight cents" re-
marked the visitor incredulousIy.
yes did. | paid forty cents for five
quarts"
while paid fifty for some not near so
good"
81 suppose you paid just what you were
NSked?"
"Ycs, | always do that. buy from one
woman during tho season, who agrees to
furnish me at the regular market price,"
, winch you will always find to be two or
!nrec cents above what you can get them for
IN the market"
, You always buy ir market"
~ nought these from woman at the door,"
Did she only ask eight cents for them?"
Oh no! She asked ten cents, and pre-
ended that she got twelve and half for the
sumo quality of berries yesterday. But
never give these people what they ask"
wen, lnever can find it in my heart to ask
poor, tired looking woman at my door, to
.'Nc cent less for her fruit than she asks
nIe. cent or two, while it is of little ac-
her." Vi S'''' III 'aioo "
., N Uu are very poor economist. see,"
S,id i MIS- Mier. off that is the way YOU deal
N wltli every one, your husband no doubt finds
MS expense account very serious ITEM"
uoht know about that He never com
pans. lie allows me certain sum every
week 10 Keep the house, and find nv own
o the tc:hildren's clothes; and SO far from
eyer calling on him for more. ALWAYS have
",E !, OF hundred dollars lying by me-"
t,. o" must have precious large allowance
r.c!'' considering your want of economy, in
their things" ~ "''''' ''''y "sA iof
M;a Oh' no! don't do that exactly, Mrs.
b %,JL' II consider the price of thing too
on paid too high for your strawberries