He dealt in silks and velvets from Genoa.

His shop presented less outward appearance than did those of his neighbors, the goods being too rich and rare to be exposed to the weather, and he himself dealing rather with smaller traders than with the general public.

The merchant--a grave-looking man--was sitting at his desk when Harry entered.

A clerk was in the shop, engaged in writing, and an apprentice was rolling up a piece of silk.

Harry removed his hat, and went up to the merchant's table, and laying a letter upon it, said: "I have come, sir, from Dame Marjory, my aunt, who was your honor's nurse, with a letter from her, praying you to take me as an apprentice." The merchant glanced for a moment at the boy.