'Seventy. Going, going! I am really ashamed. Stay a moment. Madam, we shall expect caution money.'
'Here is the entire sum.'
'Gone!' said the auctioneer. 'And now we will proceed with the rest of the furniture. Step inside. Ladies and gentlemen, oblige me, and step within.' Silence among the crowd. Those assembled looked at one another with astonishment.
A woman who a few weeks ago had in vain sought shelter for herself and child, one who had been regarded as the poorest of the poor, suddenly put down seventy pounds and became owner of a house and freehold property.
'Upon my life,' whispered one to a neighbour, 'hawking must be a paying trade.'
Mrs. Jose worked her way with her elbows to Jane and shook her hand.
'I am rejoiced,' she said, with her face bright with smiles. 'You have a house of your own now; the rest will follow.'
A friend whispered in her ear, 'Where did the peddling creature get the money?'
'The little maid's father has come down handsome,' answered Mrs. Jose in an undertone.
'How can that woman have got hold of such a sum of money?' asked a seaman of Olver Dench.