The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1862-01-01
The Art Of shopping.

tanned.
The Art Of shopping.
We are all satisfied that gentlemen have
no genius f,r shopping They are not equal
to it. Nature has left their faculties impsr-
feet in that particular. They can write
books and make speeches, and all that sort
Of thing, but they are not up to shopping
It takes the ladies' for that. Men 90 to a
store, select what they want, and buy it,
But that is not shopping; that requires no
genius. Men pretend they do not like to
60 shaping with the ladies. wonder
who ever asked them? What lady would
have such an incumbrance on such occa.
sionss Men are well enough in their places
Young gentlemen are convenient to take us
to concerts, and see us home from church,
and bring us bouquets and music; aud hus-
hands are useful TO pay the bills, &C., but
for shopping excursion they are quite out Of
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 R, is a model
shopper; arm taking lessons Of her, and
hope to be perfect by the time am marri-
ed. A few days ago she invited me to 60
with her.
81 wish to look at the new style Of silks" !"
she said.
"Why, do you want to get new dress ~
I asked
Really" said Sallie, ''ifit was not impo-
lite, should say that you are verdant
don't want dress, but that's no reason
why should not see the material"
So Sallie and sailed out. The first
store we entered she asked whether the mer-
chant had received his spring goods. He
said he had, and inquired what she " ould
like to SEQ.
"Show me your new style of dress goods, "
said she, "such as barege robes, and lawn
robes, and handsome striped plaid silks
are not much worn thus spring, but I'll 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 rub
bing.
"Whst style is worn?' said Sallie to the
clerk.
"Well. we sell probably more plaid stripe.
than any other"
"Have you any with ohene stripes ?" in
quired Sallie.
'Oh, yes some very fine, and numbe,
Of pieces were produced.
"Well, can't say after all, that I lik,
the chene stripes the green is very pret
ty."
So Sallie held il il various lights, rubbing
and creasing It.
"Well, it don't crease much said she 81
wonder whether it will cute''
"So, it is boiled silk and we find tha
the plaid and stripes wear very we'll"
"Your silks are very pretty, and you may
cut of sample, If you please" continued
Sallie.
This the merchant was forced to do
though with rather bad grace, as most o
his goods were in patterns, and he feared
spelling the piece.
"Will you be kind enough TO give mi
samples Of the solid clothss''
They were all furnished.
"This plaid you say Is &1,a7 Is that tn,
loweste"
Eyes: VIC can't take less"
"How many yards in the pattcrn?'
"Fourteen"
nd rather have eighteen; perhaps
might conclude to have founces Well, III
take the sample and show it to my mother
and then make ur my mind. Have you
any Coates cotton? Give me spool, No
49,"
This was handed her, she paid Ave cents
and we left looked at my watch, We
had been there exactly one hour.
"What cheat! can buy the spools
for four CENTS" said Sallie, when we were
fully out land besides we forgot their
shawls."
| So we went to another store.
"IIave you any Stella shawls?"
4
ayes, some very beautiful ones just open
ed Would you like to sec the Broche Dor
ders or printed!
Both"
"Any particular colors ="
.No, sir; I'll look at shem ALT" said Sal
lie.
Different oolors and patterns were accord
inely produced.
"what is the price Of this green cente,
brochc border" t'. -
1--WE can afford yoa that Tor So; sam,
1 style sold Tor $l5 two months ago"
! tSsns pine fborasrs we're put los $3.50