SHOPPING IN VENICE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 278, 23 November 1877, Page 4

SHOPPING IN VENICE.

Shopping is quite a feat in Venice. A lady who sets out on a shopping expeditiion may well prepare herself for doubtful and hostile encounters. Hav-' Ing found the object sought she demands, the price. The shop-keeper names a sunn from one-third more to double the value of the article. The customer starts back with a curious sort, of shriek, tohich commences on a, high key, ascends slightly, and suddenly (ailSj a sound expressing iucredulity, coutempfc and astonishment, and. after an instant, of silence offers leeSjtbau half the sum demanded. The sacae howl of indignation is then repeated by the shop-keeper, only an otitave lower. He protests that the "amount asked is in reality too low ; that from anxiety to please the Signora he had mentioned his lowest rate." The purchaser then offers half of the first required sum. Another howl of derision from the shopkeeper, who however drops perhaps a fourth of bis price. The customer takes up her parasol and departs. Once outside, she calls out a slight advance on her offer. The proprietor invites her to enter again, and purposes that they shall " combinan," i.e., combine, and endeavor to meet on common ground. The customer repeats her ultimatum. The shopkeeper declares that "at such ruinous rates he might as well close bis shop." The lady loses patience, and quits this time without looking back. After she ia some paces from tbe door the shopkeeper sends a small boy kept for the purpose, after her, or calls himself from the door. "-The Signora can have it this time/' fee,, says, sadiy. "but he never will sell again so cheap.'' He folds it up, and hands it to her with a graceful flourish, saying, with a courteous bow, " Servo sua " (literally, ber servant), in which the clerk and even the smaU boy, join in the chorus. •— Galaxy,