The Complete Project Gutenberg Writings of Charles Dudley Warner eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,672 pages of information about The Complete Project Gutenberg Writings of Charles Dudley Warner.

The Complete Project Gutenberg Writings of Charles Dudley Warner eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,672 pages of information about The Complete Project Gutenberg Writings of Charles Dudley Warner.

“How much for this?” I ask.

“One franc, signor,” says the proprietor, with a polite bow, holding up one finger.

I shake my head, and intimate that that is altogether too much, in fact, preposterous.

The proprietor is very indifferent, and shrugs his shoulders in an amiable manner.  He picks up a fair, handsome orange, weighs it in his hand, and holds it up temptingly.  That also is one, franc.

I suggest one sou as a fair price, a suggestion which he only receives with a smile of slight pity, and, I fancy, a little disdain.  A woman joins him, and also holds up this and that gold-skinned one for my admiration.

As I stand, sorting over the fruit, trying to please myself with size, color, and texture, a little crowd has gathered round; and I see, by a glance, that all the occupations in that neighborhood, including loafing, are temporarily suspended to witness the trade.  The interest of the circle visibly increases; and others take such a part in the transaction that I begin to doubt if the first man is, after all, the proprietor.

At length I select two oranges, and again demand the price.  There is a little consultation and jabber, when I am told that I can have both for a franc.  I, in turn, sigh, shrug my shoulders, and put down the oranges, amid a chorus of exclamations over my graspingness.  My offer of two sous is met with ridicule, but not with indifference.  I can see that it has made a sensation.  These simple, idle children of the sun begin to show a little excitement.  I at length determine upon a bold stroke, and resolve to show myself the Napoleon of oranges, or to meet my Waterloo.  I pick out four of the largest oranges in the basket, while all eyes are fixed on me intently, and, for the first time, pull out a piece of money.  It is a two-sous piece.  I offer it for the four oranges.

“No, no, no, no, signor!  Ah, signor! ah, signor!” in a chorus from the whole crowd.

I have struck bottom at last, and perhaps got somewhere near the value; and all calmness is gone.  Such protestations, such indignation, such sorrow, I have never seen before from so small a cause.  It cannot be thought of; it is mere ruin!  I am, in turn, as firm, and nearly as excited in seeming.  I hold up the fruit, and tender the money.

“No, never, never!  The signor cannot be in earnest.”

Looking round me for a moment, and assuming a theatrical manner, befitting the gestures of those about me, I fling the fruit down, and, with a sublime renunciation, stalk away.

There is instantly a buzz and a hum that rises almost to a clamor.  I have not proceeded far, when a skinny old woman runs after me, and begs me to return.  I go back, and the crowd parts to receive me.

Copyrights
Project Gutenberg
The Complete Project Gutenberg Writings of Charles Dudley Warner from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.