He went to the shop, and caused an immense quantity of the finest silks to be turned over, after which he coolly asked for a pennyworth of a certain splendid piece of satin.

'By all means,' said the discreet trader; 'allow me, Sir, to have your penny.' The coin was handed to him, and, taking up the piece of satin, and placing the penny on the end of it, he cut round with his scissors, thus detaching a little bit of exactly the size and shape of the piece of money which was to purchase it.

This, with the most polite air imaginable, he handed to his customer, whose confusion may be imagined.] [17] [It appears to the editor that the case is here somewhat over-stated.

While imperterbable good temper and civility are indispensible in the shopkeeper, it is not impossible that he may also err in displaying a _too great obsequiousness_ of _manner_.

This, by disgusting the common sense and good taste of customers, may do as much harm as want of civility.