New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-25

& Black. jewelers., IN ftlS0-st.s hcnoAA6lOA 41c
distinguished looking man. with an attractive
smile and gray hair. He did not seem to be aware
that he faultlessly dressed. nor that he wore
his hat with irreproachable cock. Mr.. Evans.
standing behind his counter in sober frock coat.
fattered himself that he knew the right tilt when
he it. hat which was cooked too much or
too little gave its away. The majors angle
perfect.
Mr.. Evans bowed with dlgnifed obsequiousness.
Good morning. said the major. pleasantly
I'm afraid I'm only going to waste your time
The 1ewerer permitted himself to smile gravely
Not at all. sir. Can show you anything
well. If You don't mind me looking ct few
things. I want the merest trifie'
He had the rather helpless appearance which is
readily recognized by shopkeepers. The man buyer
who does not know his own mind is easy victim
Tor an astute salesman. He turns over things in 4
weak way and lacks the courage 70 back out with
out making a purchase. 1t is the shOpman's own
fault If he does not sell such customer some
thing that is not what he wants price which
is more than he intends to give
The major looked as If he had wandered in
lessly, with settled purpose. and Mr.. Evans
recognized the symptoms. So he smiled deferen-
TALLY.
Il shall be most happy to show you what you
wish
ring; Perhaps Id better saw at once that I want
10 make small present TO my wife, and can't
The teweler inclined his head and brought out
yray EI nss As ne did So shadow wy assistant
the shop and took his stand without ostentation
curiousiy, and then looked at Evans. whose eyes
were grave.y bent upon the tray
observed; and there was a twinkle in his eye.
The merchant coughed. and smiled with a sug
gestion OF apology. The assistant relaxed into
1T is rule Of the establishment. sir, that is all
In business such as ours We have TO keep certain
oh. OF course" said the major IN a friendly
way He examined the rings and tried them
knowledge of the stones and impressinsy the jew
GeT with his sh Just estimate Of values He was ey
upon; at the same me- time he was man which was
This is nice one. but l know it's too much
money Tor me. He uttered a comical sigh as he
fingered ring with diamonds and a perdot in the
That is s75. sir" said Evans. Excellent value"
All these things are more expensive than they
quite true" admitted the teweuer. 1T is no ex-
ager$bon 10 say thar most stones are worth
Now why IS that?" asked the customer. in a
Mr., Evans entered into courteous explanation
Of the means by which certain cliques had cornered
mild interest while he continued to examine the
trfnkets with an appreciativs eye which confessed
him TO be OF those who find precious stones
OF attraction: He fnterposed certain "Ah'sl" and
dent that he was thinking more of the rings than
of the discourse. and Evans curtaed his remarks
You'll think me a nuisance" said the Major
but 1 should like to look at some brooches before
His frank manner and pleasant smile favorabIy
HIM Of the ABSENCE Of any troubie in the 20 mafter
while the assistant withdrew the tray of rings and
substituted one of brooches.
The customer lovingly regarded them
lot That is if I'd the money rather important
n that Ny wife says spend too much on jew
Mr. Evans smiled with blend of appreciation
and polite disbelief in the suggestion of cash limita
Now; what's the price OF this little GneT' asked
the craftsmanship s in the god made e' up for the
sma hDe Of 1.-THE, the dia I1non . -, .
Quite little gem! But 30 guineas is more than
The merchant could not deny it.
The Major SKINNED over the tray; but he ever
with whistliug blow through his teeth and help
less look at the man beI!n! the counter. he made
IT must have this one" said he. IT can't resist
t. suppose must knock off cigars. or some
The jeweller smiled dutlfully
he asked without looking as If he expected much
They are all marked at the very lowest possible
figures said Evans. with a panied air
Pen and ink, were produced; and the Major drew
forth a CheckhoOk As he filled up the FORM tho
shopkeeper looked on anxiously. He felt that an
to take the brooch in Exchange for his check; and
he began to purse his lips and to rehearse in silence
the least hurtfui way OF cGnveylIg piece Of In
Ike Which Is nsy S E With flourish
There you are" said he. IL he getting
Thank YOU. siTr, replied Evans. Where may I
'Oh. In take it with met' said the Major: but
before the jewellers could drop, he recollected
himself But, OF course. you don't know me; VIII
you send il. when you've sot the money? Here's
my card tn. -,.o.. -.,, 49,, -.,,...,
Major Mervyn Darlington. late 12oth Hussars."
"Of course it isn't there. I'm at No. 81 Carlton
were only in roomsEbut my wife and I travel
good deal Good morning. I must apologize for
Mr. Evans bowed and rnurInured his, disclaimer.
the door. The Major nodded his thanks as he
The check was cashed, the brooch was sent home.
say how pleased his wife was with it,
Il dote on jewelIy myself said he
Mr. Evans took the trouble to show him one or
really good stones, and the others appreciation
quite a pleasant man he observed to his as
sistant when the caller mad departed.
Two or three weeks passed. and the Major looked
in again. As he entered. his face expressed comic
I've come to ruin myself" said he.
81 hone not. sir said Mr.. Evans.
oh but / have, And the deuce OF IL IS I rather
like the prospect He smiled IN b0y (Isi way; ahd
''The fact is. it's my wifes birthday tomorrow,
White stun. you know. Now. what can you show
me?' ,., 49,. .,,,
confidence. The jeweller smiled reciprocally.
Il can show you something very special sir. It's
The Very shlnsr said the Major. buoyantly.
1T Is in the safe. Perhaps you wouldn't mind
stepping into the Darkroom. sr2''
With pleasure" The Major FOLLOWED with jaHn-
Which was duly noted From the safe was pro-
Guned the gittering necklace and the Major Went
"Superb!'' he cried Grand. But you mean to
ruin me than l meant to ruin myself
He fingered the stones held them up to the light |
flashed them In a dozen positions, and made run
"fIow much, Mr.. Evans: how much?', he asked |
at length and he surrendered the necklace with !
obvious reluctance to the merchants outstretChed