His manner to me has been reserved ever since.
On the afternoon of that day, I was sitting in the back part of my
store musing on some, matter of business, when I saw a couple of
ladies enter. They spoke to one of my clerks, and he directed them
back to where I was taking things comfortably in an old arm-chair.
"Mr. G----, I believe?" said the elder of the two ladies, with a
bland smile.
I had already arisen, and to this question, or rather affirmation, I
bowed assent.
"Mr. G----," resumed the lady, producing a small book as she spoke,
"we are a committee, appointed to make collections in this district
for the purpose of setting up a fair in aid of the funds of the
Esquimaux Missionary Society. It is the design of the ladies who
have taken this matter in hand to have a very large collection of
articles, as the funds of the society are entirely exhausted. To the
gentlemen of our district, and especially to those who leave been
liberally _blessed with this world's goods_"--this was particularly
emphasized--"we look for important aid. Upon you, sir, we have
called first, in order that you may head the subscription, and thus
set an example of liberality to others."
And the lady handed me the book in the most "of course" manner in
the world, and with the evident expectation that I would put down at
least fifty-dollars.
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