Auct. Now we come to Lot 19. Massive fluted column in coral marble with revolving-top—a column, Gentlemen, which will speak for itself.
The Facetious Bidder (after a scrutiny). Then it may as well mention, while it's about it, that it's got a bit out of its back!
Auct. Flaw in the marble, that's all. (To Assist.) Nothing the matter with the column, is there?
Assist. (with reluctant candour). Well, it 'as got a little chipped, Sir.
Auct. (easily). Oh, very well then, we'll sell it "A.F." Very glad it was found out in time, I'm sure.
[Bidding proceeds.
First Dealer to Second (in a husky whisper). Talkin' o' Old Masters, I put young 'ANWAY up to a good thing the other day.
Second D. (without surprise—probably from a knowledge of his friend's noble, unselfish nature). Ah—'ow was that?
First D. Well, there was a picter as I 'appened to know could be got in for a deal under what it ought—in good 'ands, mind yer—to fetch. It was a Morlan'—leastwise, it was so like you couldn't ha' told the difference, if you understand my meanin'. (The other nods with complete intelligence.) Well, I 'adn't no openin' for it myself just then, so I sez to young 'ANWAY, "You might do worse than go and 'ave a look at it," I told him. And I run against him yesterday, Wardour Street way, and I sez, "Did yer go and see that picter?" "Yes," sez he, "and what's more, I got it at pretty much my own figger, too!" "Well," sez I, "and ain't yer goin' to shake 'ands with me over it?"