them. I then looked at my
watch, and observing that I was going to the theatre, told Mr.
Bilger that I would not trouble him any further, as the
articles before me were too tawdry and common to please me, but
that I would put the card of draughts in my pocket-book, and if
I did not meet with a ring of the kind I wanted, before Monday
or Tuesday, I would certainly call again, and give him final
directions. I was then drawing on my gloves, being anxious to
quit the shop while I was well; but Mr. Bilger, who seemed
delighted with the prospect of my custom, begged so earnestly
that I would allow him to show me his brilliant assortment of
gold watches, that I could not refuse to gratify him, though I
certainly incurred a great risk by my compliance. I therefore
answered,--'Really, Mr. Bilger, I am loath to give you that
unnecessary trouble, as I have, you may perceive, a very good
watch already, in point of performance; though it cost me a
mere trifle, only twenty guineas; but it answers my purpose as
well as a more valuable one. However, as I may probably, before
long, want an elegant watch for a lady, I dont care if I just
run my eye over them.' Mr. Bilger replied, that the greater
part of his stock were fancy watches, adapted for ladies, and
he defied all London united, to exhibit a finer collection. He
then took from his window a show-glass, containing about thirty
most beautiful watches, some ornamented with pearls or
diamonds, others elegantly enamelled, or chased in the most
delicate style. They were of various prices, from thirty to one
hundred guineas, and the old gentleman, rubbing his hands with
an air of rapture, exclaimed,--'There they are, sir,--a most
fashionable assortment of goods; allow me to recommend them;
they're all a-going, sir--all a-going.' I smiled inwardly at
the latter part of this speech, and thought to myself,--'I wish
they were going, with all my heart, along with the diamond
rings.' I answered, they were certainly very handsome, but I
would defer a minute inspection of them till my next visit,
when I should have more time to spare. These watches were
ranged in exact order, in five parallel lines, and between each
watch was placed a gold seal or other trinket appertaining to a
lady's watch. It was no easy matter,