"Wouldn't think too long if I were you. It ought to go by auction, and it might; only private contract's preferred."
"Why preferred?"
"Out of respect for the feelin's of the family."
Rickman's eyes were wandering dreamily from the matter in hand. They had alighted on an enormous photograph of Miss Poppy Grace. For an instant thought, like a cloud, obscured the brilliance of Mr. Pilkington's face.
"Anyhow I've given you the straight tip," said Pilkington.
"Thanks. We'll send a fellow down to overhaul the thing."
"He'd better hurry up then. It may have to go by auction after all. But if you'd like the refusal of it, now's your chance."
But Rickman betrayed no enthusiasm.
"You'd better see the guv'nor about it."
Mr. Pilkington looked Rickman up and down, and encountered an immovable determination in his gaze.