"Looks like we'll have to compete. To think, we competed when we were young, and now that we're old with one foot in the grave, we get another chance to go at it! Today, let's see which of us is more willing to spend!" Mr. Hale, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke.
"You're here for this inkstone, too?" Walter Sterling looked at Mr. Hale in surprise. "I never would've thought! Our Seraphina has such a good eye, fancying the exact same thing as Mr. Hale! Not bad, not bad at all! She's got a promising future! A very promising future!"
Seraphina Sterling felt her expression darken with exasperation. 'So when I like the same thing as Mr. Hale, it means I have a good eye? Just a moment ago, he seemed completely unimpressed with my choice! The second he hears Mr. Hale wants this inkstone, his attitude does a complete one-eighty! Grandpa, could you *be* any more fickle?'
