"No-nothing whatever. There in the corner—now I am satisfied. Shall I place the lamp there, on the table? So—and now to return to business."
"I beg to do so, but I may as well begin by telling you that in my case it is a question not of drachmae but of Attic talents."—[ The Attic talent was worth about L200, or $1000 dollars in the 1880 exchange rate.]
"That is a matter of course, and I will offer you five; that is to say a sum for which you could buy a handsome roomy house."
Once more the blood mounted to the steward's head; for a few minutes he could not utter a word, for his heart thumped violently; but presently be so far controlled himself as to be able to answer. This time at any rate, he was determined to seize Fortune by the forelock and not to be taken advantage of, so he said:
"Five talents will not do; bid higher."
"Then let us say six."
"If you say double that we are agreed."
"I cannot put it beyond ten talents; why, for that sum you might build a small palace."
"I stand out for twelve."
"Well, be it so, but not a sesterce more."