In the Shop

In the Shop

Metella and Melissa left the villa in the morning. Metella was looking for a toga for her son. After Metella and the maid entered the forum, they saw a shop where the best togas were; there were many women in the shop, and the servants were showing the women stolas. Two gladiators were also in the shop. The servants were showing tunics to the gladiators. A merchant was standing in the middle of the shop; the merchant was Marcellus.

Marcellus: “What are you looking for, madam?”
Metella: “I am looking for a toga; I seek a gift for my son because he is celebrating his birthday.”
Marcellus: “I have many togas.”

The merchant gave a signal to the servants. The servants quickly handed the togas to the merchant. Marcellus showed the togas to the women. Metella and the maid inspected the togas.

Melissa: “Look! These togas are dirty!” (Marcellus scolded the servants.)
Marcellus: “The splendid togas are inside.”

Marcellus led the women inside, and the merchant showed the women other togas. Soon, Metella chose a splendid toga for Quintus.

Metella: “How much is this toga?”
Marcellus: “I desire fifty denarii.”
Melissa: “You want fifty denarii! Scoundrel! I offer you ten denarii.”
Marcellus: “I desire forty denarii.”
Melissa: “I offer you fifteen denarii.”
Marcellus: “What? This is the most beautiful toga; I desire forty denarii.”
Metella: “You are asking too much. I give you thirty denarii.”
Marcellus: “I agree.”

(Melissa gave Marcellus the money. Marcellus handed the toga to Metella.)

Marcellus: “I give you my greatest thanks, madam.”