"Excellent," Barrent said. "Now, about the money—"
"Yes, sir?"
Barrent took the plunge. "I haven't any."
"You haven't, sir? That's quite unusual."
"Yes, it is," Barrent said. "However, I do have certain articles of value." From his pocket he took three diamond rings with which the Group on Omega had supplied him. "These stones are genuine diamonds, as any jeweler will be glad to attest. If you would take one of them until I have the money for payment—"
"But, sir," Wonderson said, "diamonds and such have no intrinsic value. They haven't since '23, when Von Blon wrote the definitive work destroying the concept of scarcity value."
"Of course," Barrent said, at a loss for words.
Wonderson looked at the rings. "I suppose these have a sentimental value, though."
"Certainly. We've had them in the family for generations."
"In that case," Wonderson said, "I wouldn't want to deprive you of them. Please, no arguments, sir! Sentiment is the most priceless of emotions. I couldn't sleep nights if I took even one of these family heirlooms from you."