Brushing the Silk

Cedar dust and velvet lint clung to my cloak when I stepped out from the spectacles case. Beside an open brass parts tray lay a miniature watchmaker's brush with pale, fine bristles and a carved bone handle. I planted the lower rim of my shield against a pine groove to secure my footing, then lifted off my silk top hat. Holding the brim steady, I swept the soft bristles across the crown with short, measured strokes until the dark silk showed a clean, even sheen. A few deliberate passes cleared the shoulders of my cloak. The topper returned to its post, straight and unblemished. Order is restored.