“Merchants sometimes find it for their advantage to sell an article for less than it costs, rather than not dispose of it,” observed Marcus. “That was probably the case with Mr. Simpson. Perhaps the dress pattern was the last of a lot.”
“No, it was from a new lot, just received,” replied Jessie.
“Then,” continued Marcus, “perhaps he thought you might go somewhere else and buy, and he should lose your trade; or perhaps he was a little short for money; or perhaps he knew you fancied the dress, and in the kindness of his heart he determined you should have it, at some price or other. He had a reason, no doubt, for doing as he did.”
“Well, I can’t bear to be thought mean,” continued Jessie; “but poor folks have to put up with many things they dislike, and that is one of them.”
“There was nothing mean in doing as you did,” said Miss Lee, “and I do not believe Mr. Simpson thought so. I don’t approve of driving a hard bargain, any more than I do of paying extravagant prices for things. There is a golden mean between the two, which honest people ought to seek after. I think you were wise in refusing to run in debt. Spending money before we get it is one great source of extravagance, and keeps many people poor all their lives.”
“Everybody ought to get out of debt just as quick as they can, hadn’t they?” inquired Ronald.
“Certainly,” said Miss Lee.
“Then, mother, I wish you would let me have fifty cents—I want to pay my debts,” continued Ronald.
“Your debts! Pray what do you owe?” inquired Mrs. Page.
“I owe a boy fifty cents, and he’s dunned me for it two or three times,” replied Ronald.