Mrs. S. I’ll give you two dollars for ’em.
Ezek. No, I can’t afford to sell ’em so low. But I’ll tell you what I will do. I’ll split the difference, and let you have ’em for two-fifty. They’re very becomin’ to you—make you look ten years younger than the others did.
Mrs. S. (smiling at the compliment). Well, I s’pose I shall have to take ’em. But I shouldn’t think ’twould take you long to get rich at that rate.
Ezek. The fact is, I’m growin’ poorer every day. I ought not to sell my goods so cheap; but the wimmen have such captivatin’ ways that I can’t resist ’em. What’s the next thing?
Mrs. S. Well, I want some caliker for a new gown. I bought enough for one at Thompson’s, the other day; but I want another.
Ezek. I’ve got jest the thing for you (showing her a piece of calico with stripes of red and yellow). That’s exactly your style, and it’s only twelve and a half cents a yard.
Mrs. S. Will it wash?
Ezek. Like white cloth. I’ve sold yards and yards of that same pattern. It takes so well that one factory don’t make nothin’ else.
Mrs S. Twelve and a half cents a yard is too much. I can’t afford it, but I’ll give you a dollar for twelve yards.
Ezek. Couldn’t do it. Think of a nice dress pattern like that (displaying the goods in a tempting manner) bein’ sold for a dollar. No, marm, I can’t sell it any less.