And, when we went out to spend an evening, socially, with our friends, the contrast between home and abroad was strikingly apparent to our minds.
"I think," said Mr.Smith to me, one day, "that it is time we re-furnished our parlors." "If you can afford the outlay," I remarked.
"It won't cost a great deal," he returned.
"Not over three hundred dollars," said I.
Mr.Smith shook his head as he answered: "Half that sum ought to be sufficient.

What will we want ?" "A dozen mahogany chairs to begin with," I replied.

"There will be sixty dollars." "You don't expect to pay five dollars a-piece for chairs ?" said my husband, in a tone of surprise.
"I don't think you can get good ones for less." "Indeed we can.

I was looking at a very handsome set yesterday; and the man only asked four dollars for them.

I don't in the least doubt that I could get them for three and a half." "And a dear bargain you would make of that, I do not in the least doubt.