A wealthy matron is so proud of a valuable antique vase that she decides to have her bedroom painted the same color as the vase. Several painters try to match the shade， but none comes close enough to satisfy the eccentric woman.
　　Eventually， a painter approaches who is confident he can mix the proper color. The woman is pleased with the result， and the painter becomes famous.
　　Years later， he retires and turns the business over to his son. “Dad，” says the son， “there’s something I’ve got to know. How did you get those walls to match the vase so perfectly？”
　　“Son，” the father replies， “I painted the vase.”
　　A woman who often came to a small antique shop rarely bought anything， but always found fault with the merchandise and prices. The manager and her salesclerk took the woman’s grumpy complaints in stride， but one day she went too far. “Why can I never manage to get what I ask for in your shop？” demanded the woman. A smile on her face， the clerk calmly replied， “Perhaps it’s because we’re too polite.”
　　一个富婆为拥有一只珍贵的古玩而深感骄傲，以至于她竟要把卧室漆成与花瓶同样的颜色。几名油漆匠试图调出这个底色，但是谁也没有能令那位有怪癖的妇女满意。
　　最后来了位油漆匠。他非常自信能调出那种颜色。那妇女对他的成果非常满意，油漆匠于是一举成名。
　　多年以后，他退休了，生意也交给儿子。“爸，”儿子说，“有件事我得弄清楚，您是怎样使墙的颜色与花瓶配得那么绝的？”
　　“儿子，”父亲回答说，“我漆了花瓶。”
　　一名妇女经常光顾一家小古董店，几乎从不买什么东西，却总是对商品和价格吹毛求疵。对于那妇女的粗暴抱怨，经理和她的销售员总是应付了事，但是有一天她做得太过分了。“为什么在你们店里总是不能得到我想要的东西？”那名妇女指责说。
　　职员脸上带着微笑，沉着地回答道：“也许是因为我们太有礼貌了。”
　　符 蓉 整理