Mexico Missouri message., 1904-06-16

dew. When she picks out a cheap
thing, you multiply the price by four
er FIVE, an when ye show her some
thin bang-up an good enough fer
princess. put the price way down.
Dye understand? An when we gets
through, give me the true bill and
| show her the other one, an Ill make
It all right fer yer trouble. An mind
We, I want the best in Their store for
| Mother Rounds"
The merchant smilingly agreed to
this arrangement and entered heartily
into the deception. Mrs. Rounds had
never been in Boston until that day,
although all her life had been spent
within an hours ride from the New
England metropolis. Occasional visits
to the dry-goods shops of Taunton
formed epochs in her life, and she
was dazed at the contemplation Of
the sight before her. The shelves,
with their load of fabrics, seemed
endless, and she crouched behind a
marble column for fear Of being in
the way of the chattering, laughing
throng Of shoppers.
Il don't want much, Samuel" she
whispered, as Mr.. Farnsworth turned
to take down a bolt of dress goods
I'VE must be economical, Samuel.
Tell him to show us some ginghams."
"All right, Ma Rounds; watch me
beat him down" returned Sam, nudg-
ing her gently with his elbow.
Here is a stylish pattern, Mrs.
Rounds" said Mr.. Farnsworth, dis
playing a neat Bingham, worth per
haps ten cents yard.
How much a yard?" asked Sam.
Mr.. Farnsworth gravely consulted
the cabalistic price mark.
THE regular price is ninety.five
cents a yard. but" lowering his voice
and glancing about to make sure he
was not overheard. 81 will make 1t to
you at eighty cents"
Eighty cents a yard for gingham!"
gasped Mrs. Rounds
1T is imported goods, Mrs.
Rounds" explained Mr. Farnsworth,
critically stroking the print. 1T wears
like silk. We carry no domestic ging.
hams. Here is one at eighty-fve cents
and this one is a dollar and ten a
yard That would make you a fine
gown, Mrs. Rounds
Let's go somewhere else, Samuel"
whispered his mother, positively
frightened. 81 can buy Bingham in
Taunton for eight cents yard"
wait Bit" said Sam reassuringly. |
What have ye got in silks, Mr.. Farms
worth?"
I'VE have a fine line of silks" re-
piled that gentleman, leading the way |
to another counter. 81 should recon- |
mend a heavy black gros grain silk |
all prices. Here is one at dollor and |
half yard.
He displayed a silk worth at least |
three dollars a yard. The old lady |
looked fondly at the glossy fabric. |
The temptation was great. but she |
closed her lips firmly and put Satan |
behind her.
Too much" said Sam decisively. |
We're not rich ner proud, Mr.. Farms |
worth. Show ms somethin' cheaper"
Very well. Here is one at dollar
a yard, and here is one which is a |
bargain" He unrolled a superb, |
heavy bolt Of silk, lustrous black and |
a delight to the eye. He examined
the price mark critically. 1t told him
that the wholesale cost was four dol |
lars yard and the upset retail fig |
ure four dollars and seventy-five cents. |
II can let you have that at eighty |
cents yard" he said after a mental |
calculation.
Now, ye're gittin' down tew bust. |
ness" Sam declared tentatively. |
That's tew much, but it's more like |
it. What do you think of the goods, |
Ma Rounds? You'd look like o four
year old in a gown made of that"
TITS very fine-too fine for me, I'm |
afraid" She was weakening. "And !
it's cheap, If it's real silk. Is it really !
and truly silli?" She looked timidly |
at Mr.. Farnsworth, who assured her
it was silk beyond a doubt.
ITO he continued