to appear. He had, in fact, been paying twelve
dollars and a half for the very goods he had sent back because he
couldn't get them for ten dollars, at six months credit.

Eldon did not understand how completely he had overreached himself,
until a part of his establishment had been idle for days, and he had
been compelled to go to New York, and purchase some fifty pieces of
the goods he wanted, for cash, at twelve dollars per piece, a price
that he is still compelled to pay, as neither Lladd nor any other
importing house in the city has since ordered a case from abroad. So
much for driving a hard bargain.

OUT OF THE FRYING-PAN INTO THE FIRE;

OR, THE LOVE OF A HOUSE.

"HADN'T you better give your landlord notice to-day, that we will
move at the end of the year, Mr. Plunket?"

"Move! For heaven's sake, Sarah, what do we want to move for?"

"Mr. Plunket!"

"Mrs. Plunket!"

"It's a very strange way for you to address me, Mr. Plunket. A very
strange way!"

"But for what on earth do you want to move, Sarah? Tell me that. I'm
sure we are comfortable enough off here."

"Here! I wouldn't live in this miserable house another twelve
months, if you gave me the rent free."

"I don't see any thing so terribly bad about the house. I am well
satisfied."

"Are you, indeed! But I am not, I can tell you for your comfort."

"What's the matter with the house?"

"Every thing. There isn't a comfortable or decent room in it, from
the garret to the cellar. Not one. It's a horrid place to live in;
and such a neighbourhood to bring up children in!"

"You thought it a 'love of a house' a year ago."

"Me! Mr. Plunket, I never liked it; and it was all your fault that
we ever took the miserable affair."

"My fault! Bless me, Sarah, what are you talking about? I didn't
want to move from where we were. _I never want to move_."

"Oh, no, you'd live in a pigstye for ever, if you once got there,
rather than take the trouble to get out of it."

"Mrs. Plunket!"

"Mr. Plunket!"

Wise from experience, the gentleman deemed it better to run than
fight. So, muttering to himself, he took up his hat and beat a hasty
retreat.

Mrs. Plunket had a mother, a fact of which Mr. Plunket was perfectly
aware, particularly as said relative was a member of his family. She
happened to be present when the above spicy conversation took place.
As soon as he had retired, she broke out with--"Humph! just like
him; any thing to be contrary. B