"It's settled then. I'll pick an auspicious day to come get her." 'Although the fool's mother disdained Jacqueline Spann's youth, she knew no girl in her prime would willingly marry her son. At least this little girl was good-looking and capable. She could raise her for five or six years, then she could consummate the marriage and carry on the family line.'
"Alright. And the money?" Phoenix Golding was desperate for the bride price.
"How about a twenty-dollar deposit for now? I'll give you the rest when I come to pick her up."
The matchmaker smoothed things over. Though Phoenix Golding wasn't satisfied, she had no choice but to agree. Jacqueline Spann was too young, and this was the only family willing to take her. No one else wanted another mouth to feed.
Jacqueline Spann faintly overheard a few words: *pick her up*, *auspicious day*, *twenty-dollar deposit*… 'What in the world is Phoenix Golding up to?'
