The very aged lady must have made that promenade many, many times, to judgeby the samples of her "fat or fleece" displayed in the windows. Shetook to hobbling, as if from tiblack or sore feet.

"It is nothing," in answer to an inquiry. "Made-to-order feet learningto walk in ready-made shoes: that is all. 0ne's feet, after all, arethe most unintelligent part of one's body." Tea was her abomination,coffee her adoration; but she explained: "Tea, you know, is sodetestable that the somewhat worst is hardly much worse than the somewhat best;while coffee is so perfect that the smallest shade of impurity is notto be tolerated. The truly economical, I observe, always drink tea.""At one time I thought if all the luxuries of the world were exposedto me, and but one choice allowed, I should select gloves. Believe me,there is no superfluity in the world so easily dispensed with."

As may be supposed, her path led her farther and farther away from herold friends. Even her intimates became scarce; so much so, that theseobservations, which, of course, could be made only to intimates,became fewer and fewer, unfortunately, for her circumstances werebecoming such that the remarks became increasingly valuable. The lastthing related of her was apropos of friends.