"
Caesar had now selected a piece of calico, in which the gaudy colors of
yellow and red were contrasted on a white ground, and, after admiring it
for several minutes, he laid it down with a sigh, as he exclaimed,
"Berry pretty calico."
"That," said Sarah; "yes, that would make a proper gown for your wife,
Caesar."
"Yes, Miss Sally," cried the delighted black, "it make old Dinah heart
leap for joy--so berry genteel."
"Yes," added the peddler, quaintly, "that is only wanting to make Dinah
look like a rainbow."
Caesar eyed his young mistress eagerly, until she inquired of Harvey the
price of the article.
"Why, much as I light of chaps," said the peddler.
"How much?" demanded Sarah in surprise.
"According to my luck in finding purchasers; for my friend Dinah, you
may have it at four shillings."
"It is too much," said Sarah, turning to some goods for herself.
"Monstrous price for coarse calico, Mister Birch," grumbled Caesar,
dropping the opening of the pack again.
"We will say three, then," added the peddler, "if you like that better."
"Be sure he like 'em better," said Caesar, smiling good-humoredly, and
reopening the pack; "Miss Sally like a t'ree shilling when she give, and
a four shilling when she take."
The bargain was immediately concluded; but in measuring, the cloth
wanted a little of the well-known ten yards required by the dimensions
of Dinah.
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