As my income, at the time, was but moderate, and the prospect of an increase thereof not very flattering, I felt like being exceedingly prudent in all outlays for furniture.
"We must be content with things few and plain," said I, as we sat down one morning to figure up what we must get.
"But let them be good," said my wife.
"Strong and substantial," was my reply.

"But we can't afford to pay for much extra polish and filigree work." "I don't want any thing very extra, Mr.Jones," returned my wife, a little uneasily.

"Though what I do have, I would like good.

It's no economy, in the end, to buy cheap things." The emphasis on the word cheap, rather grated on my ear; for I was in favor of getting every thing as cheap as possible.
"What kind of chairs did you think of getting ?" asked Mrs.Jones.
"A handsome set of cane-seat," I replied, thinking that in this, at least, I would be even with her ideas on the subject of parlor chairs.

But her face did not brighten.
"What would you like ?" said I.
"I believe it would be more economical in the end to get good stuffed seat, mahogany chairs," replied Mrs.Jones.
"At five dollars a-piece, Ellen ?" "Yes.