I went to the flea market Wednesday morning to buy some jonquils. I found them, as always in the spring, in all colors and varieties at the table where a couple sells them each year. I came home not only with jonquils, but with the memory of a chance encounter that moved me profoundly.

I was walking down the last row not yet explored and saw a large beveled-edge mirror at in a booth manned by a young couple.

The size was right, the glass was first-quality, but the frame was not a winner.

But the price was $10. And the frame could easily be painted.

So I decided to buy it. It was very heavy, and the young man said he’d be glad to carry it to the car for me.

Since I could barely lift it, I accepted his kind offer.

We talked a little bit, and he said his wife told him he is supposed to negotiate on price. I agreed. He should have started

You must be logged in to view this content.