He was a man well skilled in his profession, but had read and thought very little on matters unconnected with it.

He had no idea that the marks had any particular signification, or were anything else but common and fortuitous one.

That I became at all acquainted with their nature was owing to a ludicrous circumstance which I will now relate.
"One day, chancing to be at a neighbouring town, I was struck with the appearance of a shop recently established.

It had an immense bow-window, and every part of it to which a brush could be applied was painted in a gaudy flaming style.

Large bowls of green and black tea were placed upon certain chests, which stood at the window.