The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-11-29
The Art OF Shopping.

to it. Nature has left their faculties imper-
feet in that particular. They can write books
and make speeches, and all that sort Of thing,
but they are not up to shopping. 1t takes
the ladies for that. Men go to store, Sc
lect what they want, and buy it. But tha, is
not shopping that requires no genius. Men
pretend they do not like to go shopping with
the ladies' wonder who ever asked them
What lady would have such an incumbrance
on such occasions? Men are well enough
in their places. Young gentlemen are con-
venient to take US to concerts. and see Us
home from church, and bring US boquets ant,
music; and husbands are useful to pay the
bills, &c, but for shopping excursion they
are quite out of the place. DO you under
stand me to insinuate that have distinguish
ed ability that way? Not at all only
speak of my sex. In fact, acknowledge
myself a poor hand at it. But my friend.
Sallie R, is model shopper, am Ia
king lessons of her, and hope to be perfect
by the time am married. \ few days since
she invited me to 90 with her.
i wish to look at the new style of silks.
said she. why, do you want TO get new
dress" asked. Really said Sallie, If il
was not impolite, should say that YOU We're
a verdant don't want a dress, but that's
no reason why should not wish to see the
MATERIAL SO Salie and | sailed ont. The
first store We entered she asked whether the
merchant had received his spring goods. He
said he had, and inquired what she would
like to see Show me Your new sty le dress
goods said she, such as barege robes. and
lawn robes, and handsome striped plaid silks
-brocades and changeable silks are not
much worn this spring, but III look at your
solid colorS.' The merchant soon had his
counter spread with goods. She examined
and tossed Them about, making various cre:s-
ses in them to see whether they would come
out again by rubbing. What style is Worn ,
said Salle to the clerk. Well, We sell pro-
baby more plaid stripes than any other
Have YOU any with chene stripes - inquired
Sallie. 'Oh, yes some very fine, and
number of pieces were produced. Well, |
can't say after all. that Ike the chene
stripes; the green is very pretty SO Sa!lie
held it in various lights, rubbing it and crea-
sing it. We'll, it don't crease much said
she, i wonder whether it will cut > No, il
is boiled silk; and we find that the plaid anu
stripes wear very we'll Your silks are yer,
pretty, and you may cut off a sample if YOU
please continued Sallie This the merchan,
was forced to do, though with rather bad
grace, as most OF his goods were III patterns.
and he feared spoi,iEg the piece. viii yeu
be kind enough to give me samples Of the
solid eolors" They We're furnished 'Thi,
plaid. You say. is 81? Is that the lowest :?
Yes, We can't take less How many Yards
in the pattern Fourteen Id RATHER
have eighteen; perhaps might conclude to
have tounces. Well Ill take a sample AID
show it to my mother, and then make up my
mind. Have You any Coates cotton give
nie spool, No. So This was handed her ;
she paid five cents and we left. looked at
my watch. We hai been there exactly an
hour. What cheat, can buy the spools
ior four cents said Sallie, when we were
fully out; and besides, we forgot their
shawls.' So we went to another store.-
Have YOU any Stella shawls - Yes, some
beautiful ones, just opened. Would you
Ike 10 see the broche borders or printed p
Both ANY particular colors?' No, sir
III look at them all said Sallie. Ditferear
colors and patterns were accordingly produ-
ced. What is the price Of green centel
broche border " 'We can afford you tha,
for 50 ; same style sold for SD two month,
ago Some printed borders were put up fol
$3.50. No, prefer broche, but can't you
take less . | saw twinkle in the merchant
eye, which made me think he knew she wa,
only shopping. Now said he, if You wonr
mention it, I'll let you have it for So Sallis
looked surprised. She knew the article wa.
selling at 50. Six dollars, is that your low
est?' Well, to obligc you will say 81
said the merchant. A pause ensued. .rher
YOU think 81 is the lowest 'hhem hav,
a large lot and want to dispose of them. II
say $50" Are you sure it is frst-rat,
piece Of goods3' I'll warrant it all silk AM
WOOL said the merchant. My friend wa
caught. Turning to me, she whispered: .
DO wish had brought some money" anc
then addressing the merchant, said, 4 vi.
call again. never was SO glad to get ou
of a store before; for the clerks had gather
ed around US, seeming 10 understand tn
Joke. But Salie went home, got the money
and insisted upon my returning with her I,
the store for the shawl. The trader said Il
> was sorry, very, bat the shawl had just bee
sold. And so was Sallie, too, thought
We went shopping no more that afternoon.