A wealthy man who had lost his son in the war put up his priceless art collection for sale by auction. The first item that was presented was not one of the great works from the masters, but a portrait of his beloved late son done by a local artist. The experienced and seasoned art buyers showed no interest in the painting.
The man’s butler, however, wanted the painting. He had loved the man’s son too, but could not afford the painting. Shyly, he raised his hand to enquire the price of the painting. The auctioneer stated, "It is yours upon request."
Pleased, the butler walked forward to take the painting of the son. As he approached, the auctioneer closed down the auction. The art buyers protested. "What about the paintings by the great masters?"
The auctioneer replied, "Oh, those now belong to the butler. See, whoever has the son has it all." (unknown origin)