The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1876-12-03

poittono with an eye Of curiosity, found every
thing charming.
"What freshness of toner said he. al
seems as il was walking in . rich garden"
Ibese are mere daubs,' replied Jeanne.
Wish to recommends this wreath of roses, which
ls not rounded enough"
"ohI no." said George, ait couldn't be bet
ter executed
cit appears to me-" said, Anna, "that you two
have changed places Monsieur. being the pqr
chaser, is the one to find fault, and you the
one to praise your merchandise"
Sure enough" replied Jeanne; "let's begir
again. And then, with half-smile, said very
pretty pictures. of which we have q complete
assortment. Would monsieur like to make q
selection
Then turning to her sister:
1t appears TO me that's right, isn't it 7" said
Not bad" replied Anna.
George, initiating her mock serious manner,
said:
Since you have nothing better to show me
at present, 1 shall take this bunch of daisies
and this sheaf of blue bottles and wild poppies,
If you can accommodate me in the price,"
Monsieur" said Jeanne, her hand upon
her heart, could not let them go for less
than"
Here, very much embarrassed, she turned
towards Anna, who answered:
GO on, that's very well you have the air
of q true merchant
Well" continued Jeanne, 1 cannot posi-
bly, let them go for less than twenty. i've francs
apiece; fifty Tor two; bnt you must pay us AN
other visit"
:" How well she understands business" said
Madame Blan che main, taking pince of snuff
" She sells as we'll as she paints"
Twenty five francs' replied George, with
q dissatisfied air; "it is impossible for me to
give that price for such pictures W
"Ah! welI," said Madame Blanchemain,
joining the conversation, " these things don't
about painting! But don't begrudGe these poor
girls their twenty-five francs; they are hard
earned. If you only knew how early they get
mp to work bnt you never will know, perhsps,
your bed in Paris long after they are hard at
work. Ah! when one does not know"
The two sisters had vainly endeavored to
stop this fow of words; at length Jeanne
gently touching the old lady's arm, said:
my good Madame Blanchemain. let mon
sieur make the bargain, and give us what he
thinks right"
:. Mademoiselle," said George. cit is impos-
apiece for these Bouquets, hundred for the
;wo. If / order . dozen, perbaps you can let
ne have them at this pricep
But, monsieur, you have made . mistake
aid Jeanne, after o moments reflection "you
,ave offered me double what asked"
at is the price fixed by the person who or
lers them, and cannot change it. This may
cad to other or ders, and en- gage you to accept
hem"
That's the right way to manage business !"
aid Madame BanchemaiD, taking up the
bread of conversation sgain. after that, |
aust make friends with monsieur, for be both
red me enough pretending he wanted your
ictures 50 cheap; but now I see he is a con-
oissenr, and was only joking. You have not
fered too much pistnres like these are worth
fly francs at least. If monsieur would like a
tile refreshment-you see, honsieur-Mon-
eur"
And she endeavored to call his name, but, for
very good reason, as not successful con-
nued:
- Thssa yorpr 1;rls uo,ld o;ya oil Cor no+h
,g-so disnterested ! Eor the present, it is a
osed bargain I; but must tell you they do not
now how to defend their rights, and, if they
admit honest people like you to deal with,
hey would give all for nothing"
Monsieur" said Anna, whose position in
mis- household was some hat that of a mother,
we, of course, understand You seriously, since
on present yourself with the recommendation
onor of knowing YOU"
" Mademoiselle." answered George, foresee-
1g the question, here is the order of my cor
Pspondent. l hope it will be followed by
thers. You see, the price fixed does not allow
le to pay less than what have offered. If you
Tish it very much, will pay madame now the
mount Of the two subjects at my disposal"
Aud he counted ont five gold pieces into the
and of Madame Blanchemain, who received
hem with great pleasure. Perhaps it had
zen embarrassing to have put them in Jeannes
ands.
"Give, give" said Madame Blanchemain
this will supply some of the household wants,
'ill it not, young ladiesi Good pay makes good
riends. Ah-"
Here George interrupted her, having dis
oVered there was 10 other way of getting a
hance 10 speak.
" AS to the other ten subjects, leave the
election entirely 10 yourselves, only let them
quail these in point OF execution, ard all copied
rom nature. Here, madame, is my address
nd that Of the banking house which is 10 pay
or these ten pieces, so impatieutly expected"
He banded Madame BlaL caemain a slip Of
aper.
Bat" said Jeanne, looking at her sister, "it
Till take us very long time to paint ten bou-
uets, for We must first procure flowers and
elect the prettiest. don't think can do more
ban one a week. Perhaps monsieur wo1ld
Ike to see my work occasionally, for might
make some mistakes that q few seasonable
IintS would rectify."
Anna said nothing-there WAS q silence
With your permission" returned sorge, 81
hall sometimes visit this beautiful region, and
ee how you are getting along"
Monsieur George" said Jeanne, "there is |
till something that would like to ask you {;
t concerns my SELF"
George bowed assent.
g If not too impertinent question, wish |
,oN would tell me how You came by that |
ketch, enough like me to be mistaken for nv |
portrait, except that / am not al EayA an sad |