loved to play at their favourite game -- "Shop'', buying and selling, folding and packing, but the games of shop were abandoned as the girls grew up and the years passed.

But in later years, when the girls had grown up, had children and then grandchildren, the two sisters found themselves living next door to one another in Somerset Village. But boredom set in.

Armine had a cellar in her house and the cellar had a cedar-beamed roof and an open fireplace. Frances had a connection with the Irish linen business.

What could be more fun than to revive the childhood games? The fact that neither sister had ever sold anything didn't stop them for a minute.

The Irish Linen Shop was born in Somerset in the 1940s, and the policy was clear from the beginning: The shop would be selling only that which was classic, correct and proper.

As the business grew, sceptical friends stopped laughing and started to admire -- and buy.

Two faithful salesladies from the village pitched in and daughter Jane and her friends (often in tennis shorts) often took turns to serve the customers.

Finances were simple. The linends were sold at whatever the owners felt was a fair price.

Even the wooden packing cases were bought -- by local farmers for rabbit hutches and chicken coops. Instead of a salary the owners treated themselves to the most luxurious transatlantic voyages they could find, occassionally doing the odd bit of "buying'' as they travelled.

And then son Duncan joined the firm.

Frances always asked the customer how much change was due. And when money started to miss the drawers in the old kitchen table, naughty poodles were chased through the rose garden and discovered to be burying ten pound notes.

Fun and games were had by all and tea was served in the drawing room at four o'clock for staff and any passing customers.

In the early 1960s, tourism changed in Bermuda. Cruise boats deposited their passengers in Hamilton for a hectic hour or two of shopping, then departed.

There was no time for those passengers to reach the quiet, old West End of the Island.

Despite some objections to the idea of "expansion'', a Hamilton shop was deemed essential. It was Jane who found a delightful 19th century building right on the corner of Front and Queen Streets, just a few yards from the docks. Business trebled within a month.

The Irish Linen Shop really is a shop with a difference. There is always a member of the family around.

Jane, Jim and Jeremy travel to Madiera for fabulous hand embroideries, to France for the famous Souleiado prints, to Belgium for handmade laces, while still remaining faithful to the original suppliers of real Irish Linen.

But those looking for T-shirts and souvenirs will not find them. Instead there is a stock of what must be the world's most diversified linen collections.

When asked the price of a tablecloth the answer is "from $9.50 to $3,650!'' Special attention is given to complicated requests. The challenge is always welcomed.

Now in their fortieth year, the owners feel that it is really amazing where a childhood game can take you.

A GREAT MOVE -- When the Irish Linen Shop had to move from Somerset, the family found the best possible location -- the corner of Front and Queen Streets.