A wealthy matron①is so proud of a valuable antique②vase③that 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 eccentric④woman.
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.”
① matronn. （尤指有身份的）已婚女子，遗孀
② antiqueadj. 古董的
③ vasen. 花瓶，（装饰用的）瓶
④ eccentricadj. （人、行为等）古怪的，反常的
绝配
一位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。”
