“I may be able to tell you more about that,” the cautious answer, “when I know what you gave for it.”
William had given thirty shillings.
S. Gedge Antiques tapped the bowl appraisingly. “Thirty shillings! But that’s money.”
“I’m sure it’s a good piece, sir.”
“Well, you may be right,” said S. Gedge grudgingly. “Lowestoft is fetching fair prices just now. What’s that under your arm?”
“It’s something I’ve bought for myself, sir.”
“Out of the money I gave you?” said the old man as keen as a goshawk.
“No, sir,” said William with great simplicity. “Your money was all in the packing case. I’ll give you an account of every penny.”
“Well, what’s the thing you’ve bought for yourself,” said the master sternly.
“It’s a small picture I happened to come across in an old shop at Crowdham Market.”