It was but natural, under these circumstances, that I should, look upon this sofa with more than ordinary interest. A glance told me that it was an article of superior make, and a close examination fully confirmed this impression.
A few minutes after my entrance, the sale begun, and it so happened that the sofa came first on the list.
"We shall begin this morning," said the auctioneer, "with a superior, fashionable sofa, made by—. It has only been in use a short time, and is, in every respect, equal to new."
All my predilections in favor of the sofa were confirmed the moment the manufacturer's name was announced. Of course, it was of the best material and workmanship.
"What is bid for this superior sofa, made by—," went on the salesman,—"Seventy dollars—sixty-five—sixty-fifty—five-fifty— forty-five—forty—thirty-five—thirty."
"Twenty-five dollars," said a timid voice.
"Twenty-five! Twenty-five!" cried the auctioneer.
"Twenty-six," said I.
The first bidder advanced a dollar on this; then I bid twenty-eight; he went up to twenty-nine, and I made it thirty, at which offer the sofa was knocked down to me.
"That's a bargain, and no mistake," said the salesman. "It is worth fifty dollars, if it's worth a cent."