Page:Sheila and Others (1920).djvu/72

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SHEILA AND OTHERS

word for it there ain't a better line on the market to-day, though some charges a third more for 'em."

He looked at me earnestly, triumphantly, his eyes glowing with the depth of the faith that was in him, and added with fervor "not one!"

It was then I made my mistake. I should have known better, but we each have a vulnerable spot, a familiar, that betrays us at the least opportunity. Many and sad occasions have I had to know mine.

Seeing him so thrilled with his own conviction, I could not help saying just by way of urbanity, "Have you disposed of many from this last set of cleaners you have been placing out?"

"I sent out thirty-six machines, and yours is the twenty-second sale, and there are still some who haven't finally made up their minds."

I murmured my surprise.

"Why not?" he exclaimed enthusiastically, "they are a good investment, time-savers for everyone, and a first-class machine as well as inexpensive when you consider everything."

"But how can people afford such luxuries in war-time?" I asked.