on them at three and three-quarters. They are fully equal, in every
respect, to the chairs you were offered at five dollars. I know the
manufacturer, and have had his articles often."

"Say three and a-half, and it's a bargain," was the only reply made
to this by my economical husband.

I was greatly in hopes that the man would decline this offer; but,
was disappointed. He hesitated for some time, and, at last, said:

"Well, I don't care, take them along; though it is throwing them
away. Such a bargain you will never get again, if you live to be as
old as Mathuselah. But, now, don't you want something else? I can
sell you cheaper and better articles in the furniture line than you
can get in the city. Small profits and quick sales--I go in for the
nimble sixpence."

My husband was in the sphere of attraction, and I saw that it would
take a stronger effort on my part to draw him out than I wished to
make. So, I yielded with as good a grace as possible, and aided in
the selection of a cheap sofa, a cheap, overgrown centre table, and
two or three other article that were almost "thrown away."

Well, our parlor was furnished with its new dress in good time, and
made quite a respectable appearance. Mr. Smith was delighted with
everything; the more particularly as the cost had been so moderate.
I had my own thoughts on the subject; and looked very confidently
for some evidences of imperfection in our great bargains. I was not
very long kept in suspense. One morning, about two weeks after all
had been fitted out so elegantly, while engaged in dusting the