I
Some three weeks later the "restored" Chippendale chairs were sold on a by-day at Christopher's famous auction rooms, and, as the public prints set forth, were secured after spirited competition for nine hundred pounds by Mr. Joseph Quinney, of Soho Square. There had been, according to the reporters, a duel à outrance between Quinney and Tomlin for the possession of these magnificent chairs.
Upon the following morning Posy was alone in the sanctuary. Her father had installed recently a speaking-tube, communicating with James Miggott's room, which was just behind the shop. Posy used this whenever the chance presented itself to exchange a few whispered words with her lover. She had just informed him that a billet had been popped into the lac cabinet. Also she had exchanged kisses through the tube, and perhaps on that account her eyes were sparkling more brightly than usual. She was hanging up the tube when Susan entered.
"Thought I heard you talking just before I came in," said Susan.
Posy, the hardened young sinner, never blushed as she answered lightly:
"I was asking Jim through the tube where father was."
Susan stared at her pensively.
"Your dear father would be very much displeased if he heard you speaking of James Miggott as Jim. It's too familiar."
"Why?"
"I'm not going to bandy words with you, Posy, because you do get the best of me, thanks to your fine schooling."