[Illustration: _Grocer_]
and a short vulgar looking female, who with a sharp turned up nose,
pointed chin, and staring eyes, was watching the woman as she weighed
the tea, lest she should fail to give her the turn of the scale.
"Caroline," said Mr. Durnford, who saw his little girl endeavouring
to repress her laughter, "can you tell me from what country tea is
imported?"
"From China, papa, and first used in England in the reign of Charles
the First. Sugar comes from the West India Islands, and coffee from
Turkey."
"You are a good girl, Caroline, for remembering what your governess has
taught you. Tell me where figs come from, and you shall have some of
those which look so fine."
"I think it is Turkey, papa, as well as our best raisins. Malaga
raisins from Spain, and currants, which I am so fond of in a pudding,
come from the islands in the Mediterranean."
Caroline now received the reward of her memory which she generously
divided among her sisters and Theodore.
"Remember, my little darling," said Mrs. Durnford, "that rice, of
which you are also very fond, comes from Asia. Tamarinds and other
preserved fruits from the West Indies, and spices from the Molucca or
Spice Islands. Almonds and dates are imported from Africa, as well as
a variety of other commodities not sold by the grocer."
"Now, Maria," said Mr. Durnford, "I must tax your memory a little. Let
us take a look at those comfortable articles of winter clothing which
are exposed for sale by the