The daily morning journal and courier., 1906-02-15
DIsAGREEABLE SHOPPING.
The Buyer in London Ends That All

The Buyer in London Ends That All
 Clerks Get Commission.
 Can there be a greater pleasure to any one who has lived long in the wilds of Asia and Africa than to have a saunter down Bond Street, looking into the shop windows? But when, after long drawn-out enjoyment, the idea suggests itself. "why should I not deck myself out in some of these pretty things? Why should not I too, possess these treasures?" then comes the rub! You have money in your pocket current coin of the realm. It is not necessary to chop a lump of silver off, first test it's purity, then weight 1t, then add some small odds ands ends of pieces, or break a rupee in half to meet the shops demands. as one has to do in some countries, Neither is it necessary to sit down for long -drawn-out wrangle over the price, No! the prices are seen fiexed, and are payable.
 But before buying most articles of toilet 1t Is necessary to try if they fit. and unless prepared to doom your self to a prolonged period of detention in dressing-room, undressing, trying on and redressing, the pretty things must be sent to your rooms on ap- proval, And then at once comes the question; Has madame an account outstandng?" If the answer could but be: "I am owing here some hun dreds of pounds for years past, having ever since I began to deal with you only paid an occasional installment on account when particularly pressed to do so" then, of course. all would go we'll. Without further demur peig- noirs, evening blouses, silk slips and the like would be sent at once in- prodigal profusion. But if the answer, to be truthful, has to be: q settled my account with you before I left England, and owe neither you nor any man anything" then all the shopman murmurs something about references, and regrets that he cannot send anything to be tried on, unless, indeed, you can undertake to be at home, and try them on there and then, the young person in charge waiting the while.
 Now why this distinct preference on the part of all London shops for peo- pie who do not pay their bill when delivered? Sadly we retire from the shop, discomforted. In the first glow of arrival. with so many important matters on hand, it is impossible to set apart this definate time for being at home and trying on. However, there are other articles to be bought besides. those that must fit to charm. But then ensues @ purgatory. Madame is requested to walk this way, madame must turn to the right, to the left. through the passageway or across the bridge, and all the time he submitted to running interogatory; Is it this, that or the other, madame wants?" Unfortunately, madame, just arrived in England, does not quite know. Slips are so far a mystery to her. Coffee coats she has never seen. She would like to see some- thing, anything, then she would know if she wanted it or not "Colore< or black?" asks the indomitable young lady. who is cross examining her, and making her feel more and more with every minute what an ignoramus she is. What! black? Oh the black are in the haberdashery department at the top of the house. You must go back through the passage and take the lift and" Flight is the natural result.
 On another occasion the examina- ton will go much further, Does madame want it lined, or colored,