His Bargain.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 430, 21 December 1889, Page 4

His Bargain.

Sir James Colquhoun was one dny passing by a second-hand shop, when he saw, exposed for sale, a handsome jar like one his j wife had long since consigned to the attic as old rubbish. Ib was at the time when ; jars and vases must be in pairs. « I'll buy it,' Sir James thought, ' and we'll touch up that old jar in the garret, and we'll have a handsome pair.' He was fond of such bargains. He went in and asked the price. The dealer demanded six guineas for it, but, after some bargaining, accepted five guineas. Sir James, pleased with his purchase, hurried home to his wife, the prize in his hands, and exclaimed : 1 Lady Colquhoun, only see what I have found ! It's the eery mate to the old jar in the garret. Wasn't I lucky to get it — and so cheap, too ! Only five guineas, when we paid ten guineas for each of those jars when new. There !' and he put it down on the table beside her. ' What do you think ?' Lady Colquhoun looked and laughed. •Sir James,' she said, 'I sold that ojd jar in the garret this very day, for two guineas, to old Carr ; and J believe you've bought ifc back again.' •Yes, I'm afraid I have,' said Sir James, soberly, 'Lbougbt it at Carr's. And it's the same old jar.' The jar was carried back to its quarters in fch© garret. , It was the last piece of old bric-a-brac that Sir James bought.