“Too great a sacrifice, that, indeed.”
“Well, suppose you take it at five hundred dollars?” said the auctioneer, smiling. “You’ll get a bargain, then. No doubt the family want the money bad enough, and will have their hearts gladdened by the unexpected receipt of so large a sum.”
“Isn’t it really worth more? Has the use of it reduced its value one half?”
“No, not one fourth. But, it is second hand, you know, and that always takes fifty per cent. from the estimated value of almost anything.”
Albertson reflected a few moments, and then said, “If you will promise me, and faithfully keep the promise, not to mention my name in the transaction to any one, I will buy this piano, and pay you seven hundred dollars for it. The money shall be here in an hour.”
“Agreed. No one shall be the wiser of your agency in the matter. Seven hundred dollars! It will set the girl wild.”
“No danger of that, I presume. Her mind, I hope, is more firmly balanced.”
After another pause for reflection, Albertson said, in a tone of confidence, “Of course, Lee, I need hardly tell you, that something besides mere impulse has prompted me to buy this piano, and pay four hundred dollars more for it than you asked. I say this, because your mind would naturally infer it, and also because I wish a little service, and don’t want too many into my secrets. You are acquainted with Jones, of the firm of Milford & Jones, jewelers, I believe.”
“Oh, yes, very well.”
“I saw Miss Townsend come out of their store to-day, and it’s my impression that her errand there was similar to her errand to you—that is, to sell some article or articles that, in their reduced circumstances, could very well be dispensed with. Are you willing to see Jones for me, and find out if my impressions are correct?”