And strangers wonder what the woman spends.
There is an auction, and the people, shy,
Are loth to bid, and yet desire to buy. 60
Jealous they gaze with mingled hope and fear,
Of buying cheaply, and of paying dear.
They see the hammer with determined air
Seized for despatch, and bid in pure despair!
They bid—the hand is quiet as before—
Still stands old Puff till one advances more.—
Behold great madam, gliding through the crowd;