handsome private carriages, with stiff-backed, motionless coachmen, in
bottle-green livery, perched on their boxes, all of which plainly
indicated the very desirable patronage accorded the firm mentioned.

In the store the glare of sun was subdued by partly drawn yellow
curtains, which lent a soft, amber light to the deep interior, and
enhanced the dazzling beauty of the merchandise there displayed.

The store was a rather narrow one, but quite deep, with a long-counter
on each side, back of which were numerous clerks, some engaged in
waiting upon the several customers then present.

At the rear of the store was an office inclosure, with a partition of
plate glass; while at either side of this inclosure was a smaller room,
entirely secluded, these being the private offices of the two members of
the firm.

Mr. Garside was standing about in the middle of the store when the young
man entered and inquired for Mr. Venner. As he turned from the clerk who
had informed him of Venner's absence, he added, half in apology, to his
visitor:

"I was mistaken, young man. My clerk tells me that Mr. Venner is out
just now. Do you know where he has gone, Joseph?"

"No, sir, I do not."

"I think he will presently return," said Garside, again reverting to the
caller. "Is there anything that I can do for you? Or will you wait
until Mr. Venner comes in?"