was about to leave the shop, when he turned toward her and she bowed.

"Good afternoon, Miss Claiborne. These are very tempting bazaars, aren't
they? If the abominable tariff laws of America did not give us pause--"

He bent above her, hat in hand, smiling. He had concluded the purchase of
a watch, which the shopkeeper was now wrapping in a box.

"I have just purchased a little remembrance for my ranch foreman out in
Montana, and before I can place it in his hands it must be examined and
appraised and all the pleasure of the gift destroyed by the custom
officers in New York. I hope you are a good smuggler, Miss Claiborne."

"I'd like to be. Women are supposed to have a knack at the business; but
my father is so patriotic that he makes me declare everything."

"Patriotism will carry one far; but I object both to being taxed and to
the alternative of corrupting the gentlemen who lie in wait at the
receipt of customs."

"Of course the answer is that Americans should buy at home," replied
Shirley. She received her change, and Armitage placed his small package
in his pocket.

"My brother expected to meet me here; he ran off with our carriage,"
Shirley explained.

"These last errands are always trying--there are innumerable things one
would like to come back for from mid-ocean, tariff or no tariff."