"But having it put back, just as it was, and wanting the old
furniture and all--whatever put that into your head, my dear?"

"I heard it was handsome and old--I like old things. And, of course,
it was--more in keeping to restore the house as it was, than to--"

"Well, I s'pose that's so," conceded Mrs. Dodge, her quick dark eyes
busy with the renovated interior. "I'd sort of forgot how it did look
when the Boltons was livin' here. But speaking of furniture; I see
Mrs. Judge Fulsom let you have the old sofa. I remember she got it at
the auction; she's kept it in her parlor ever since."

"Yes," said Lydia. "I was only too happy to give a hundred dollars
for the sofa. It has been excellently preserved."

"A hundred dollars!" echoed Mrs. Dix. "Well!"

Mrs. Dodge giggled excitedly, like a young girl.

"A hundred dollars!" she repeated. "Well, I want to know!"

The two women exchanged swift glances.

"You wouldn't want to buy any pieces that had been broke, I s'pose,"
suggested Mrs. Dodge.

"If they can be repaired, I certainly do," replied Lydia.

"Mother!" expostulated Fanny, in a low but urgent tone. "Ellen and
I--we really ought to be going."