"The book will last longer than the dress," said Walter.
"But it is not so necessary. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'd like the book well enough to put on my parlor-table. I'll give you two dollars for it."
"Two dollars!" ejaculated Walter, scarcely crediting the testimony of his ears.
"Yes, two dollars; and I warrant you'll make money enough then."
"I should lose money," said Walter. "I couldn't think of accepting such an offer."
"In my opinion there isn't any book worth even two dollars."
"I see we can't trade," said Walter, disgusted at such meanness in a lady who occupied so large a house, and might be supposed to have plenty of money.
He began to replace the book in its brown-paper covering.
"I don't know but I might give you twenty-five cents more. Come now, I'll give you two dollars and a quarter."
"I can't take it," said Walter, shortly. "Three dollars and a half is the price, and I will not take a cent less."