Shall I cut a length a-piece for the three young ladies, ma'am ?" "No, no," said Mrs.Bell, "that cashmere is dark and heavy, and coarse, too.

I don't expect it's all-wool.

It's shoddy, that's what it is." "Shoddy, ma'am! That a lady whom I've served faithful for years should accuse me of selling shoddy! No, Mrs.Bell, may Heaven forgive you for trying to run down a poor widow's goods.

This is as pure all-wool cashmere as is to be found in the market, and dirt cheap at three and elevenpence a-yard.

Have a length for yourself, ma'am; it would stylish you up wonderful." "No," said Mrs.Bell, "I don't want a dress to-day, and that cashmere isn't worth more than one and six.