in Bridgeman, you appear to live in this library; I wonder Mrs
Keene don't take you into partnership."

"If I were not honoured with the custom of Mrs Handbell and other
ladies; I fear that my shop would have little attraction for gentlemen,"
replied my mother, with a courtesy.

"Mrs Keene is quite correct in her surmise, Miss Handbell," said
Captain Bridgeman, "now that I have seen you, I shall not think my
morning thrown away."

"If report says true, Captain Bridgeman," replied Mrs Handbell, "you
would be quite as often here, even if no ladies were to be customers of
Mrs Keene. Mrs Keene, have you any of that narrow French ribbon
left?"

"I think I have, madam; it was off this piece, was it not?"

"Yes; but I really don't know exactly how much I require; perhaps you
will measure it and allow me to return what is left?"

"Certainly, madam; will you take it with you, or shall I send it?"

"I wish for it directly; will you be very long in measuring it, for I
ought to be home now?"

"Perhaps you'll have the kindness to measure what you take off yourself,
madam," replied my mother, "and then you need not wait."

"You put confidence in me, I observe, Mrs Keene," replied Mrs
Handbell; "well, I will do you justice."

My mother smiled most graciously, put the piece of ribbon in paper, and
handed it to Mrs Handbell, who, bowing to Captain Bridgeman, quitted
the shop.

"I wonder whether you would trust me in that way?" said Captain
Bridgeman to my mother.

"I don't think I should; Amelia says you will help yourself to cigars
and that she is sure you cheat when you count them."

"Does she really say that? Well, I did think that if there was any one
who would have upheld my character, it would have been Miss Amelia."

"Perhaps, Captain Bridgeman, she is getting tired of so doing."

"Or tired of me, Mrs Keene, which would be worse still. Here comes a
fair young lady--Miss Evans, if I mistake not; I believe she is a good
customer to your library?"

"She reads a great deal, and is therefore only a customer to the
library."

"Ladies who are fond of reading are seldom fond of working."

"Good morning Miss Evans," said Captain Bridgeman; "you come for more
food for the mind, I presume?" (Miss Evans gave a bob, and turned to my
mother.)

"Have you anything new, Mrs Keene? I have brought back the three
volumes of Godolphin."

"Yes, miss, I have some books down to-day."

While Miss Evans was selecting from