“Three. Three-fifty. Four,” ran up the bids in rapid competition until seven dollars were bid for the roll. It was bought by the discreet lady. At that moment Jean, who had been everywhere, appeared upon the scene.
“Oh, did you buy those pieces of matting?” she observed. “Mother told me to tell the auctioneer not to bother with them ’cause she didn’t think there were two yards of any single pattern. I didn’t get here in time though, I’m sorry, but I had to stop on my way.”
“Not two yards of any one pattern? Why there’s yards and yards in this roll. Do you mean to tell me ’taint all alike?”
“I guess not. It’s pieces that were left from our house and all the rest was burned up.”
Just then Jean spied Constance and flew toward her leaving the discreet lady to discover just what she had paid seven dollars for. On her way she ran into Jerusha Pike, who laid upon her a detaining hand. “Jean, you’re exactly the child I want. Where is your sister Constance? I want to see her. Is your mother here?”
“No, Miss Pike, mother didn’t come. Connie is right yonder. See her?”
Off hurried Miss Pike to the tree beneath which Constance stood watching the progress of the sale, which was now in full swing; the auctioneer feeling much elated at the returns of his initial venture, was warming up to his work. Eleanor, with her Aunt Eleanor, who was much in evidence this day, was seated behind the auctioneer’s raised stand, and thus quite sheltered from observation.
“Constance Carruth, you are the very girl I must see. You can and will tell me what I wish to know, I am sure,” cried Miss Pike, in a stage whisper.
“If I can I will, Miss Pike,” answered Constance with a mental reservation for the “can.”
“I want you to tell me what your poor dear mother most values among the things she has here. There must be some treasures among them which she cherishes for sweet associations’ sake. Name them, I implore you. I have never forgiven myself for the accident which befell that priceless mirror. If I can bid in something here for her let me do it, I beg of you. There is no one else to do it, and you are far too young to be exposed to the idle gaze of these people.”