ll to it,
which rings out an announcement as we open the door, that, few and far
between, there has been an arrival in the way of a customer, though it
may be, as sometimes happens, that the bell, with all its untuned
sharpness, fails to triumph over the din of domestic affairs in the
little back-room, which serves for parlor, and kitchen, and hall, and
proves unavailing to spread the news against the turbulent clamor of
noisy children and a vociferous wife.

But be patient to the last--even if the bell does prove insufficient
to attract due attention to your majestic presence, whether you come
to make purchases or to avail yourself of the additional proffer made
by the sign appertaining to Moggs exclusively, relative to "Boots and
shoes mended," collateral to which you observe a work-bench in the
corner; still, be patient, and cause the energies of your heel to hold
"wooden discourse" with the sanded floor, as emphatically you cry--

"Shop!" and beat with pennies on the counter.

Be patient; for, look ye, Mrs. Moggs will soon appear, with a flushed
countenance and a soiled garb--her youngest hope, if a young Moggs is
to be called a hope, sobbing loudly on its mother's shoulder, while
the unawed pratlers within, carry on the war with increasing violence.

"Shop!"

"Comin'!--what's wanten?" is the sharp and somewhat discourteous
reply, as Mrs. Moggs gives a shake of admonition to her peevish little
charge, and turns half back to the riotous assemblage in the rear.

Now, we ask it of you as a special favor, that you do not suffer any
shadow of offence to arise at the dash of acerbity that may manifest
itself in the tones of Mrs. Montezuma Moggs. According to our notion
of the world, as it goes, she, and such as she, deserve rather to be
honored than to provoke wrath by the defects of an unpolished and
unguarded manner. She has her troubles, poor woman--gnawing cares, to
which, in all likelihood, yours are but as the gossamer upon the wind,
or as the thistle-down floating upon the summer breeze; and if there
be cash in your pocket, do not, after having caused such a turmoil,
content yourself with simply asking where Jones resides, or Jenkins
lives. It would be cruel--indeed it would. True, Mrs. Moggs expects
little else from one of your dashing style and elegant appearance.
Such a call rarely comes to her but with some profitless query; yet
look around at the sparse candies, the withering apples, and the
forlorn gro