awl that my mistress made me a present
of."

"No, Lilly," said her mistress, with severity--for she neither could nor
would sanction the falsehood, however delicately and well intended--"no,
do not mislead the man, nor state anything but the truth. The shawl is
mine, my good man, and I wish to dispose of it."

The pedlar looked at it, and replied, in a tone of disappointment,
"Yes, ma'am, but I'm afeard it's beyant my manes; I know the value of
it right well, and it's seldom ever the likes of it was in my pack. What
are you axin', ma'am? it's as good as new."

"I think it cost twelve or thirteen guineas, as well as I can remember,"
she replied; "but it is not what it cost, but what you are now disposed
to give for it, that I am anxious to know."

"Well, ma'am, you know I must look upon it as--hem--as a second--ha--at
all events," he proceeded, checking himself with more delicacy than
could be expected from him--"you must admit that it isn't new."

"Certainly," said she, "it has been more than eight years in my
possession, although, at the same time, I believe I have not worn it
more than half a dozen times."

"Well, ma'am," replied the pedlar, "I know the value of the shawl
something betther even than yourself. If you will take six guineas for
it, we will deal; more I cannot afford, for I must at once tell, you the
truth, that I may carry it about these twelve months before I find any
one that knows its value."

Mrs. Temple was by no means prepared, any more than her servant, for
such a liberal offer; and without any further hesitation she accepted
it, and desired Lilly to place the shawl in his hands, and in the
meantime, with equal consideration and good feeling, he handed Lilly six
guineas, adding, "Give that to your mistress, but in troth, ma'am," he
proceeded, respectfully addressing her; "it is just robbing you I am,
but I can only say, that if I dispose of it at its proper-value you'll
hear from me again. Troth, if I wasn't a great rogue, ma'am, I'd give
you more for it; but bad cess to the one o' me--ever could be honest,
even if I wasped for it."

"I do not think you dishonest, my good, man," replied Mrs. Temple; "on
the contrary, I am not displeased with your, plain blunt manner. Lilly
give him some----"

She checked herself at once, and passed, a significant but sorrowful
glance at Lilly; as she went up to the drawing-room.

She had no sooner gone, than the peddler, with a shrug of satisfaction,