How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
The boy took out the checkbook and held it to his lips as if thinking.
"I want the desk," the girl said. "How much money is the desk?"
The man waved his hand at this preposterous question.
"Name a figure," he said. (64-67)
Now the older man is refusing to even name a price for his stuff, letting the couple set what they want to pay for the desk. He really doesn't seem to care at all, does he?
Quote #5
"I'm going to turn off this TV and put on a record," the man said. "This recordplayer is going, too. Cheap. Make me an offer." (69)
The older man's desperation to sell seems to grow as the story continues. He starts suggesting new objects for the couple to purchase and allows them to offer whatever they're willing to pay.
Quote #6
"I'm making it out to cash," the boy said.
"Sure," the man said. (78-79)
The older guy's relaxed attitude about the sale of his stuff—and the money he gets from it—is on display here as well. Is there any word in the English language that conveys whatever better than "Sure"? We don't think so. He doesn't even seem to care how the couple pays him.