Page:The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.djvu/87

Rh but I told her not to look to you; for, says I, mother, you know we have a very expensive family, and there are certain things we must have, and husband says he will always keep on the safe side."

"Yes, trust Morris Finley for that. Folks that mean to go ahead in the world must avoid unnecessary expenses. Has the man been here about the curtains?"

"Yes; and I find the fawn, with blue borders, cost, for each window, twenty dollars more than the others."

"Bless my soul! how is that?"

"The fixtures are very showy and expensive—I don't make a point of those—but the blue and fawn is such a lovely contrast, and such a match for my carpet. If there's any thing I do care about, it's a match."

"But the price, wife, is enormous."

"But it is not more than Mrs. Johnson Smith gave for hers."

"Are you sure of that?"

"Positive; Miss Saltus told me so, and Miss Saltus made them up. I should not depend on what Mrs. Johnson Smith said, for she always makes it out that her things cost more than anybody else's; but I can rely on Miss Saltus."

"Well, if that's the case, take the blue and fawn. I hope I can afford what Johnson Smith can; but mind and make your bargain with that Saltus woman beforehand; work is slack just now, and she can't afford to lie by with that old blind mother on her hands. Get your work done as well and as cheap as you can; for, remember, we