"Are you quite sure he didn't say after Angelica Kauffman?"
Quinney shook his head. From every pore in his skin confidence was oozing.
"Did he know the value of it?"
"No, he didn't."
"Ah! He must have been pleased with your cheque."
Quinney explained matters. Pressland's expression became acutely melancholy; and his silence, as he turned away, was eloquent of a commiseration too deep for words.
"Isn't it right, Mr. Pressland?"
"My opinion is worth little, Mr. Quinney."
"I'm prepared to pay for it if necessary."
"No, no, no! Not from you. Well, then, I am afraid you have been had. Did the dealers at the 'knock-out' suspect that you wanted it badly?"