It's a ruinous business getting engaged; the worst bit of business I ever did in all my born days." Here Sam winked facetiously at the company.

"And I thought and thought of what was the cheapest thing I could get out of it with, and lo and behold I suddenly thought of a ring." So saying, Sam, still with the same dramatic air, unwrapped the thick gold ring and held it up so that the huge diamond in it sparkled in the sight of all.

A long "O--h--h" went round the company, the majority instantaneously pricing it mentally, and wondering at what reduction Sam had acquired it from a brother commercial.

For that no Jew ever pays full retail price for jewelry is regarded as axiomatic.

Even the engagement ring is not required to be first-hand--or should it be first-finger ?--so long as it is solid; which perhaps accounts for the superiority of the Jewish marriage-rate.