During the somewhat lengthy process which now began, she was not
without moments of pleasurable embarrassment. No doubt the various
frock-coated salesmen, who patiently displayed their wares, desired to
do precisely the correct thing, but there appeared to exist a
considerable difference of opinion concerning Carrissima's status.
Some addressed her as "Miss," some as "Madame," but all agreed that she
was either recently married to Mark Driver or on the point of becoming
his wife. At first he enjoyed entering the huge warehouses by her
side, standing by while she (obviously taking command of the
expedition) expressed her wish to "see some carpets." He was amused to
hear her discuss the nature of carpets in general; also at her manner
of resisting every effort of persuasion, and finally walking to the
door. When, however, several shops had been fruitlessly visited and
enough carpets inspected to furnish a large, modern hotel, Mark began
to feel weary.
"This is uncommonly hard work," he suggested. "I vote we have some tea
as an _entr'acte_."
"Oh, very well, if you're tired already," said Carrissima, "we will go
to Prince's.
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