 
as he drove along in his car, this is what the black man saw through the 
window: 
claremont suburban development corporation new homes 4 bedrooms 2 baths 
good schools inspection of model house invited! 
the man stopped his car alongside the curb. 
he and his family got out of the new buick to look at the attractive model 
house and its recently planted lawn. 
"do you like it?" he asked his wife. 
with bright eyes she nodded yes. 
they went up the walk to the house and entered. 
it was beautiful inside, especially the all-electric kitchen. 
it was just the kind of house they wanted. 
"yes, sir, anything i can do for you?" smiled the white real estate agent, 
getting up from his desk. 
he had frowned when the black family first opened the door, but now he 
tried to act in a courteous and cheerful manner. 
"well," said the husband, "we"re looking for a nice house here in 
claremont, and this just might be it." 
"i see," said the salesman politely. 
"glad you like it. 
you know what these homes cost, don"t you? 
i mean, they are expensive. 
sure you can afford it?" 
the black man smiled. 
"yes, i can afford it. 
no problem there." 
the real estate man hesitated for a moment and then said, "sorry we can"t 
do business. 
i wish i had more houses to sell, but all of them are already taken." 
"taken? 
then why is that sign outside? 
what kind of a story are you giving me?" 
the salesman glared. 
"no story, mister. 
the houses are all sold." 
