"Seein' as it's you, Colonel Baxter," he had said, "You can have this pair of candlesticks for fifteen dollars."
"Too much, Mr. Gruff," the Colonel answered emphatically.
"Ten dollars then, Colonel Baxter. I won't be making a penny on them, not one."
"No, Peter, I'll be going to an auction myself soon, and I can pick up candlesticks anytime."
"Now Colonel Baxter, bein' as it's you, I don't mind losing a little money on those sticks. Ain't they beauties now? You can have the pair of them for seven dollars. Will you take them with you or shall I send them up to the Manor?"
"That's too much, Peter. You know you got those candlesticks thrown in when you bought that highboy and the gate-leg table."
Peter Gruff had been so thunderstruck at the Colonel's correct guess that he had stood open-mouthed, staring, and without a word he had placed the candlesticks on the shelf and began rubbing his hands together in great agitation.
The old furniture dealer was tricky, and Bet wondered now what he was prying around the shop for.
"You won't need that back room, will you? Maybe you'll let me store some things here." He started toward the rear.
"Oh, we are going to use all the rooms. Shirley Williams is going to have a photographic shop in the back room. Maybe you'll want your picture taken when we open for business."