. It was in good keeping, but rather plain in
style: and, as we had recently treated ourselves to handsome new
carpets, did not appear to quite so good advantage as before. This
one, to be sold at auction, was made after a newer pattern, and, as
my eyes continued to rest upon it, the desires to have it in my
parlor was fully formed.

I have said, that on entering the auction store, I was unconscious
of any particular want. This was true, notwithstanding Mr. Smith and
I had, a few days before, called at a cabinet maker's wareroom, to
look at a sofa. In consequence of former experience in cheap
furniture, we had no thought of getting a low-priced article from a
second or third rate establishment; but designed, when we did
purchase, to act wisely and get the best. We had been looking at a
sofa for which sixty-five dollars was asked; and were hesitating
between that and another upon which fifty dollars was set as the
price.

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."

"I'll give you five dollars advance," proposed a lady by my side,
who had desired to bid, but could not bring up her courage to the
point.

"No, thank you," was my prompt answer. I was too well pleased with
my bargain.

When Mr. Smith came home to dinner on that