The dealer made his calculation, with many side-glances at the
vendor.
'And what may you ask for the lot?'
'Please to make an offer.'
'Most of the things has had a good deal of wear--'
'I know, I know. Just let me hear what you will give.'
'Well, if you want a valuation, I say eighteen pound ten.'
It was more than Reardon had expected, though much less than a
man who understood such affairs would have obtained.
'That's the most you can give?'
'Wouldn't pay me to give a sixpence more. You see--'
He began to point out defects, but Reardon cut him short.
'Can you take them away at once?'
'At wunst? Would two o'clock do?'
'Yes, it would.'
'And might you want these other things takin' anywheres?'
'Yes, but not till to-morrow. They have to go to Islington. What
would you do it for?'
This bargain also was completed, and the dealer went his way.
Thereupon Reardon set to work to dispose of his books; by
half-past one he had sold them for a couple of guineas. At two
came the cart that was to take away the furniture, and at four
o'clock nothing remained in the flat save what had to be removed
on the morrow.
Pages:
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469