Mrs. S. (looking at it longingly). I’ll give you a dollar and a quarter.
Ezek. Well, as you’re taking consider’ble, I’ll let you have it for that; but you mustn’t say nothin’ about it. Why, Mis’ Hobbs bought some of it, and paid full price. I’m boardin’ there at Mis’ Hobbs’s. She’s got a pooty daughter—that Sairy Jane. Between you and me, that’s the reason I went to boardin’ there, for Mis’ Hobbs aint much of a cook.
Mrs. S. (elated). I allers knew that. She never did hev much of a bringin’ up (Mrs. S. passes him money.)
Ezek. (preparing to leave). Thank ye, marm. Well, aint there sumthin’ more? You’ll want some hooks and eyes, and thread to make your dress with, don’t ye?
Mrs. S. Oh, you’ll throw them in, won’t ye? The store people do.
Ezek. That’s askin’ a little too much.
Mrs. S. Well, I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll give you a mince pie for ’em. I made some fresh ones to-day. What d’ye say? You know yer boardin’-place aint anything to boast of.
Ezek. Well, I don’t mind doin’ it for once. (Mrs. Skinflint passes him pie from the table.) But I think I’d better be goin’. It don’t pay much to trade with you. You’re a deal too sharp. (Taking his pack, he leaves the house.)
Mrs. S. (self-complacently soliloquizes). I think I did make a good trade. Trust me for that. I saved enough on them trades to buy me a set of furs, next winter. They don’t cost but eight dollars, and I daresay I could get ’em for five. But there, it’s most twelve o’clock. I must be gettin’ dinner ready.
(Exit.)