So I stepped inside to buy one. The
door was promptly opened for me by a black boy, resplendent in
gold-faced livery. He made me a profound salaam, as a gentleman of
aristocratic bearing came forward to meet me. 'And what may I have
the pleasure of showing you?' he inquired. 'Oh!' I returned, not
without some misgivings, 'I only want one of those little Japanese
baskets which you have in one corner of the window, marked, I
believe, twopence each.' 'Certainly, sir. Will you be so kind as to
step into this department?' he said.
"Meekly I followed him through long avenues of silks, damasks,
brocades, and other costly examples of Oriental luxury in all the
tints of the rainbow. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable at the
thought of causing him so much trouble, when he paused at the
entrance to another department, and called out, 'Japanese baskets,
please.' Then turning to me, he said, 'If you will be good enough to
step forward, they will be most happy to serve you.' I did so, and
found myself on the threshold of an Eastern bazaar. Another nobleman
now took me in hand. 'And what may I have the pleasure----' he began,
making a courteous bow. 'I only want one of those little Japanese
baskets which you have in a corner of your window, marked, I believe,
twopence each--or, possibly, they may be two shillings?' I said in a
shaky voice.
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