Disappointed in this, the pedlar brought out his minor "articles;" and
here he was more successful. Mr. Ashley bought sufficiently for his
young lady friends at the seminary, he said, and Redbud and Fanny both
purchased little things.
Fanny bought the most splendid glass breastpin, which she pretended,
with a merry laugh, to admire "to distraction." Redbud, without
knowing very well why, bought a little red coral necklace, which
looked bright and new, and rattled merrily as she took it; for some
reason the pedlar parted with it for a very small sum, and then
somewhat hastily packed up his goods, and ducking his head in thanks,
went on his way.
"Look what a very handsome breastpin I have!" said Fanny, as they
returned through the garden; "I'm sure nobody would know that it is
not a diamond."
"You are right," said Mr. Ashley, smiling, "the world is given to
judging almost wholly from outward appearances. And what did you
purchase, Miss Summers--or Miss Redbud, if you will permit me--"
"Oh, yes, sir," said Redbud, looking at him with her kind, sad eyes,
"you need'nt be ceremonious with _me_.
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