The clockmaker became embarrassed.
“Ah, but old things, old ways are so pleasant.”
Christopher Ulwing pointed to the loving-cup.
“This too is old, but this has a right to remain because it is beautiful. Do you remember, our father too made some like this. The time may come when you will get a lot of money for it. I should like to buy it myself.”
Sebastian looked anxiously at his brother.
“Perhaps you won’t sell this either.” The builder again became impatient. “You buy to do business, but when it comes to selling....”
The clockmaker took the dove-shaped cup into his hand. He held it gently, tenderly, as if it were a live bird. Then he shook his head.
“No, not yet. I will sell it another day.”
“Why not now?”
“Because I want to look at it for some time,” said Sebastian gently, as if he were ashamed of himself.