patteren:
070809;920
series: magnificat;189
| patteren:
070809;920 |
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Inside, she sighted what she came for. In the corner of the living room, next to two armchairs, a coffee table, and two corner tables — all identified as sale items by threaded price tags, stood a three-foot high, cherry wood cradle. The cradle was saddled on top of a finely crafted two-drawer bureau girded with sturdy rockers like those of a hobby horse. The rockers flared outward as if to unfurl wings. “It was made for my grandmother. My great-grandfather was a very gifted carpenter.” As she spoke, the woman seemed to read Mrs. Roland’s initial thoughts, “I had wanted to keep it for sentimental reasons, but, with moving abroad and all, we needed to whittle down our belongings to the essentials.” History is the natural reason for attributing worth to an object, and Mrs. Roland understood the significance of the woman’s speech. She deliberated on the price marked on the tag — six hundred fifty dollars. “Our children all slept in it; it’s comfortable and convenient. As you see for yourself, the two drawers are ideal for diapers, lotions, toys, and clothes,” she prattled, “But the most fascinating feature of this cradle is its insides. Here, take a look.” |
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