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   T.  These plain coloured (i) ones are very convenient indeed, three shillings a dozen; where can you find a cheaper article and of such good stuff?
   D. Yes, I like them well enough; put down a gross (2) of both socks and stockings and add also five, nay, six dozen of those fancy ladies' stockings N.° 307; that will do (3) for this time.
   T.  Will you really cut your order short (4) at so limited a figure ? Let me try to sell you something more to make it rounder. Look at these flannels, for instance, you must keep the article; nor can you find any better. I tell you. As soft as velvet, strong and fine; that will sell 15) as fast as bread.
   D.  Rather dear though; I have been offered the same article some three per cent lower about a month ago.  _
   (1) Plain coloured  A colore unito, cioè senza disegno.
   (2) Gross  Sostantivo quantitativo che equivale a dodici dozzine « grossa ».
   (3) Il verbo «Do» è qui usato nel senso di «bastare».
   (4) La locuzione « to cut short» vale «troncare», cioè « arrestare di botto ».
   (5) Il verbo « to Sell » è qui usato intransitivamente nel senso passivo. Equivale perciò a « si^vende ».
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   T  No doubt it was a lower quality then, I wish you had a sample and compare it with ours, you would easily find out the difference. Besides, our flannels are of exceptional width, two feet and a half, which is not to be found in any similar product.
   D.  I allow it may be so, still your price is too high; I won't buy any, unless you agree on a four instead of a two per cent rebate on your list price.
   T-  Look here; I'll let you have three per cent, although I feel I am trespassing on my powers, which will procure me a good blowing up 1) from my employers.
   D.  Be it as you sa\, since you can do no better; put down three pieces white, one rose and one light blue, then let us close the bill; you made me purchase much more than I intended. When shall I receive the goods?
   T.  I shall send out the order this very evening, which will be booked (2) directly on arrival, and you will receive a forwarding notice (3; from the House within next week.
   (1) A good blowing tip  Locuzione idiomatica equivalente all'italiana « una buona lavata di testa» cui certo non corrisponderebbe se letteralmente tradotta.
   (2) Il verbo « to book » da «,book  libro » vale « registrare, mettere a libro parlando di ordinazioxii corrisponde a «prenotare».
   (3) Forwarding notice  Avviso di spedizione.