CHAPTER XXVI
CONCERNING THE DUTIES OF A VALET--AND A MAN
"And now, Peterby," said Barnabas, pushing his chair from the
breakfast table, "the first thing I shall require is--a tailor."
"Very true, sir."
"These clothes were good enough for the country, Peterby, but--"
"Exactly, sir!" answered Peterby, bowing.
"Hum!" said Barnabas, with a quick glance. "Though mark you," he
continued argumentatively,--"they might be worse, Peterby; the fit
is good, and the cloth is excellent. Yes, they might be a great deal
worse."
"It is--possible, sir," answered Peterby, with another bow. Hereupon,
having glanced at his solemn face, Barnabas rose, and surveyed
himself, as well as he might, in the tarnished mirror on the wall.
"Are they so bad as all that?" he inquired.
Peterby's mouth relaxed, and a twinkle dawned in his eye.
"As garments they are--serviceable, sir," said he, gravely,
"but as clothes they--don't exist."
"Why then," said Barnabas, "the sooner we get some that do,--the
better. Do you know of a good tailor?"
"I know them all, sir."
"Who is the best--the most expensive?"
"Stultz, sir, in Clifford Street; but I shouldn't advise you to
have him.
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