The sound which issued from the lips of Lady Brayle at that moment would be difficult phonetically to describe. If we imagine the scream of bagpipes, rising on a long skirling note of shock to burst high in a squeal and squeak of outrage, this somewhat approximates it For about ten seconds it petrified the whole room.
Jenny, after one horrified look, put her hands over her eyes.
The auctioneer, in the act of saying, "Lot 71," stopped with Jus mouth open. Two blue-smocked attendants, who carried each exhibit into the open space inside the table so that it could be exhibited during the bidding, dropped a Sheraton writing desk bang on the floor.
"Mr. Auctioneer!"
Shaken but indomitable, Lady Brayle made her voice ring out
"Mr. Auctioneer!"
Up from a hidden cubicle, to the auctioneer's right, popped that bald-headed gnome who at Willaby's takes your cheque or bobs up at intervals to see whether you are one whose cheque may be taken. He and the auctioneer seemed to hold a flashing pince-nez conference.
"Mr. Auctioneer," screamed Lady Brayle, and pointed dramatically, "I demand that these two men be ejected from the room!"
The auctioneer's voice was very soft and clear. "Have the gentlemen been guilty of unbecoming conduct my lady7" "Yes, they have!"
"May I ask the nature of the conduct?"