He did not ask them their wishes in regard to the matter at all; they were not consulted.

The man and woman were brought to the auctioneer's block, under the sound of the hammer.

The cry was raised, "Here goes; who bids cash ?" Think of it--a man and wife to be sold! The woman was placed on the auctioneer's block; her limbs, as is customary, were brutally exposed to the purchasers, who examined her with all the freedom with which they would examine a horse.

There stood the husband, powerless; no right to his wife; the master's right preeminent.

She was sold.