Roma was silent for a moment, and the Commendatore concluded that his persuasions had prevailed. Somebody else knocked at the door.
"Come in," said the Commendatore largely.
This time it was the auctioneer. "Time to begin the sale, Signorina. Any commands?" He glanced from Roma to Angelelli with looks of understanding.
"I think her Excellency has perhaps something to say," said Angelelli.
"Nothing whatever. Go on," said Roma.
The auctioneer disappeared through the door, and Angelelli put on his hat.
"Then you have no answer for his Excellency?"
"None."
"Bene," said the Commendatore, and he went off whistling softly.
The auction began. At a table on a platform where the piano used to stand sat the chief auctioneer with his ivory hammer. Beneath him at a similar table sat an assistant. As the men in red caps brought up the goods the two auctioneers took the bidding together, repeating each other in the manner of actor and prompter at an Italian theatre.