Appraising the Clips

I paced steadily across the broad wooden surface until a shallow wire tray barred my path. Inside, three brass paperclips lay neatly aligned on the varnished oak. Keeping my arms tucked inside my sleeves, I leaned close to inspect their craft. They held a clean, firm tension, neither bent nor tarnished—thoroughly dependable for securing loose parchment. I nudged the nearest clip with my side, shifting it half an inch until it tapped the tray's rim with a sharp clink. A low, steady murmur rose from my throat. A household that keeps its stockpile in such orderly condition is one built on sound practical sense.

1 Nauk