o, laughing, "you forget that you are an
honest merchant who does not concern himself about politics."

"I can never forget I am a Prussian," said the traveller; "and how could
I forget it?" continued he, laughing. "My whole business consists of
Prussian wares."

"Truly you have some very beautiful articles," said Montardo. "You will
be charmed with them, Cicernachi; it will be another opportunity to
annoy the Teresiani. Look at this merchant's fans."

The stranger opened several fans. Cicernachi's eyes sparkled with
delight at the sight of the painting. "How many have you, signor?" said
he.

"Twelve."

"I take them all, and regret you have not more."

"But Cicernachi, where has all your wisdom gone to?" cried Montardo.
"You have not even asked the price; or do you, perhaps, think the
stranger gives them to you for nothing?"

"No, no; I forgot it," said Cicernachi, gazing with delight at the fans
which the stranger was spreading out before him. "What is their price,
signor?"

The stranger was silent for a moment, and then said, in a hesitating
manner: "I paid ten francs for each fan in Geneva."

"I give twice that," said Cicernachi, quickly.

The stranger started up hastily, blushing with annoyance. "Sir," said
he, "I take from no one a higher price than I gave."

"Ah, signor, signor," cried Montardo, "you have again forgotten that
you are but a merchant. No merchant sells his goods for what he gave for
them. Remember that."

"I will make a good business with these fans," said Cicernachi. "I give
you twenty-four francs, and will ask fifty for them. The ladies of our
nobility, many of whom are Prussiani, will be delighted to annoy their
opponents in so elegant a manner. Are you content, sir?"

"I am satisfied," said the stranger, blushing with embarrassment.

"Is this all you have for sale?"

"No, I have something else," said the stranger, opening another package.
"As you are Prussiano, these neat little coins and medals, with pretty
caricatures of the enemies of the king on them, will no doubt please
you."

"Ah, let us see them," cried both Italians. They examined with eagerness
the medals upon which the enemies of Frederick were represented in
various laughable situations and positions.

"I take them all!" cried Cicernachi, enraptured.

The stranger laughed. "I cannot sell you my whole business," said he; "I
must retain something. I will give you one of each. You must accept them
as a token of m