the result.

Finding the silence intolerable, I at length ventured to remark that I
feared he had not understood me to the end.

"Perhaps not," he answered gravely. "Or, rather let me say, I hope not."

"May I explain my meaning?" said I, greatly distressed.

"Assuredly you may," he replied with dignity. "Only before you speak,
let me put this plain question to you: Do you ask us to provide you with
garments--that is to say, to bestow them as a gift on you?"

"Certainly not!" I exclaimed, turning crimson with shame to think that
they were all taking me for a beggar. "My wish is to obtain them somehow
from somebody, since I cannot make them for myself, and to give in
return their full value."

I had no sooner spoken than I greatly feared that I had made matters
worse; for here was I, a guest in the house, actually offering to
purchase clothing--ready-made or to to order--from my host, who, for all
I knew, might be one of the aristocracy of the country. My fears,
however, proved quite groundless.

"I am glad to hear your explanation," he answered, "for it has
completely removed the unpleasant impression caused by your former
words. What can you do in return for the garments you are anxious to
possess? And here, let me remark, I approve highly of your wish to
escape, with the least possible delay, from your present covering. Do
you wish to confine yourself to the finishing of some work in a