I'm going to have a log cabin,--a real one,
built just as I've planned it, and in it I'm going to sell all sorts of
old-fashioned things."
"Antiques?"
"Yes, of the proper sort. Old Willow china and Sheffield plate. Copper
lustre tea-sets and homespun bedspreads. And samplers! Oh, Azalea, I've
three or four stunning samplers! One is dated 1812. That ought to bring
a fine price."
"I don't know about samplers. Of course, I know what they are,--but what
makes them valuable?"
"Age, my dear. And authoritative dates. People make collections of old
samplers, and those who collect will spend 'most anything for a good
specimen."
"I've one that my grandmother made,--at least, I can get it. Would you
like it?"
"Would I? Indeed I would! But you ought to keep that, Azalea. My, what a
generous girl you are! You'd give away your head, if it weren't fastened
on! No, dear child, keep your grandmother's sampler yourself. Is it a
good one?"
"I don't know what a 'good' one is. It has flowers on it, and little
people,--queer ones,--and a long verse of poetry and an alphabet of
letters."
"And the date?"
"Yes; 1836, I think it is."
"That's fairly old. Not a collection piece,--but a good date. Is it in
good condition,--or worn?"
"Good as new. I don't want it, Elise,--that is, I'd like to give it to
you. You've been awful good to me."
"All right, Zaly, send for it, and we'll take a look at it, anyway.
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