Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-11-15
THE ART OF SHOPPING.

THE ART OF SHOPPING.
We are all satisfied that gentlemen have no
genius for shopping. They are not equal to It,
Nature has left their faculties imperfect 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 90 to st6rs, select what they
want, and bay it. But that is not shopping
that requires no genius. Men pretend they do
not like to 60 shopping with the ladies. I
wonder who ever ssked them? What lady
would have such an mount mbrance on such occa.
sions Men are well enough in their places
Young gentlemen are convenient to take us to
concerts, and see US home frori church., and
bring US boquets and music and husbands are
useful to pay the bills, &C., but for a shopping
excursion they are quite out of the place. Do
you understand me to insinuate that have
distinguished ability that way? Not at all;
only speak Of my sex. In fact, I acknowledge
myself poor hand at it. But my friend,
Sallie b, Is model shopper, am taking
lessons of her, and hops to be perfect by the
time am married. A few days since she In
vited me to 60 with her.
~ wish to look at the new style of silks"
said she.
"Why, do you want to get new dress?n I
asked.
Really" said Sallie eff it was not timpolite,
/ should say that you were q yerdant. don't
want a dress, but that's no reason why should
not see the material"
So Sallie and sailed out. The irst 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 style dress goods" said
he, such as barege robes, and lawn robes,
and handsome striped plaid silks; brocades
and changeable silks are not much worn this
spring, but II look at your solid colors"
The merchant soon had his counter spread
with goods. She examined and tossed them
about, making various creases in them to see
whether they would come out again by rubbing.
"What style is worn ?" said Sallie to the
clerk.
than any other"
Hsge you any with chene stripes ?'' in
quired Sallie.
"Oh, yes! some very fne," and a number
OF pieces were produced.
Well, 1 can't say, after all, that I like the
onene stripes; the green is very pretty"
30 Sallle held 1t In various lights, rubbing ii
and creasing it,
well, it don't crease much, !" said she, "
wonder whether it will cut ?"
No, 1t is boiled silk and we find that the
plaid and stripes wear very we'll"
Your silks are very pretty, and you may
cut on sample, If you please" continued
Sallie.
This the merchant was forced to do, though
with rather bad grace, as most of his goods
were in patterns, and he feared spelling the
piece.
"Will you be kind enough to give me
samples of the solid colors?"
They we're all furnished.
This plaid, you say, is Sl.37? Is that the
lowest?"
"Yes; we can't take less"
How many yards in the PATTERN"
"Id rather have eighteen; perhaps might
conclude to have founces. Well, III take the
sample and show it to my mother, and then
make up my mind. Have you any Coates
cotton give me a spool, No. 49,"
This was handed her; she paid five cents and
we left looked at my watch. We had been
there exactly one hour
"What cheat! I can buy the spools fol-
four cents, said Sallie, when we are 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 like to see the broche borders OF
printed ?"
Both
ANY particular colors,"
No, sir; I'll look at them all" said Sallie
Different oolors and patterns were accord.
ing produced;
What is the prioe of green center broche
border ?'
"We can afford you that for 50; same style
sold SIS two months ago"
Some printed borders were put up for 81. so.
mo, L prefer broche, but can't you take
saw twinkle in the merchants eve which
made me think he knew she was only shop
ping.
Now" said he, 'if you won't mention it
I'll let you have il for So
Sallie looked surprised. She knew the ar.
| ticle was selling at So.
"Six dollars is your lowest ?''
"Well, to oblige you will say S4!' said
| the merchant.
A pause ensued.
Then you think 81 is the lowest ?''
"Ahem. have large lot and want TO dis
pose Of them. TN say 81 5O!"
| Are you sure 1t is first rate piece o
| goods ?r
"I'll warrant it all silk and WOOL" said tn,
| merchant.
My friend was caught. Turning to me sh,
| whispered
~ do wish had brought some money -
and then addressing the merchant, said, g
will call again.
| L never was so glad to get out of a store be
fore; for the clerks had gathered around us
| seeming to understand the Joke But Salli
| went home, got the money, and insisted upol
| my returning with her to the store for fth
shawl. The trader said he was sorry, yery
but the shawl Had just been sold, And 80 wa
Sallie, too, thought We went shopping NJ
i more that afternoon
II