“And what have you brought me wrapt up in that green baize, Marble?” inquired the wealthy manufacturer, of a little shrivelled old man, who had been waiting for an opportunity to exhibit the article he had for sale.
“An antique—a real antique, sir!” said the little fellow, hastily taking off the covering. “The bust of a beautiful lady of rank, from the the chisel of the immortal Chantrey.”
“Why she hasn’t any nose!” exclaimed the virtuoso in a tone of disappointment. “Her face is battered to pieces, and she has lost half her shoulder.”
“All the more valuable for that, sir,” replied the man very coolly. “It shows its antiquity. I could have brought you many things more handsome to look upon, but so rare a piece of sculpture I have never yet had in my possession. Look how exquisitely that neck is formed! Charming, sir. Though not a feature is visible, the bust breathes an air of grace which it is impossible to look on without admiring. Sawdust, the great timber merchant, offered me fifty guineas for it to adorn his gallery, but I remembered that my generous and enlightened patron Posthumous was forming a museum, and, knowing that this was the very thing he required, refused the offer.”
“Very good of you, Marble. I detest that Sawdust; he has no taste,” remarked the collector. “But are you sure this is an antique?”
“Am I sure of my existence, sir?” replied the little man, looking as dignified as he could. “My judgment in these matters is infallible. But as you do not seem to appreciate the merit of this beautiful example of art, I shall take it to Sawdust.”
“Not for the world, Marble!” exclaimed Posthumous, producing the money. “Here’s the price; but, I must say, I should have liked it all the better if it had possessed something like a human countenance.”
“Take my word for it, sir, that is not of the slightest consequence,” said the man, as he pocketed the money. “The spirit of a great artist is upon it, and that is all that a connoisseur should look to.”
“And what have you there?” inquired the purchaser, perceiving that the dealer was uncovering another specimen.