'Please put on this shirt and this suit for me. It's just right, exactly right. It is not showy, but rich and modest. It was made for a foreign prince - you may know him. His name is His Serene Highness the Hospodar of Halifax. He had to leave the suit with us and order something suitable for a funeral instead. His mother was going to die - but she didn't. That's all right; things can't always happen the way we - that is, the way they - there! The trousers are all right, they fit you perfectly, Sir. Now the waistcoat; aha, right again! And the coat; look at that, now! Perfect - the whole thing! In all my time as a tailor I have never seen something fit so well.'

I said that I was very pleased.

'Quite right, Sir, quite right. I have to say it will do as a temporary suit for you. But wait. When we have measured you, we will make something even better. Come, Tod, take a book and pen; get busy. Length of leg, 32 inches'. And so on. Before I could say a word he had measured me, and was giving orders for me to get dress-suits, morning suits, shirts, and all sorts of clothing.

When I got a chance I said: 'But, my dear Sir, I can't order these things. I don't know when I can pay you unless you give me change for the banknote.'

'Don't know! Weak words, Sir, weak words. For ever - that's right, Sir. I can wait for ever. Tod, rush these things through, and send them to the gentleman's address without wasting time. Let the less important customers wait.'