"
Instantly some dealer, one of the hook-nosed that gathered round each
lot as it came to the foot of the table, cried "Eighteen shillings."
"Nineteen," said Rosa.
"A guinea," said the dealer.
"Don't let it go," said the broker behind her. "Don't let it go, ma'am."
She colored at the intrusion, and left off bidding directly, and
addressed herself to Mrs. Cole. "Why should I give so much, when the
last were sold for fifteen shillings?"
The real reason was that the first lot was not bid for at all, except by
the proprietor. However, the broker gave her a very different solution;
he said, "The trade always run up a lady or a gentleman. Let me bid for
you; they won't run me up; they know better."
Rosa did not reply, but looked at Mrs. Cole.
"Yes, dear," said that lady; "you had much better let him bid for you."
"Very well," said Rosa; "you can bid for this chest of drawers--lot 25."
When lot 25 came on, the broker bid in the silliest possible way, if
his object had been to get a bargain. He began to bid early and
ostentatiously; the article was protected by somebody or other there
present, who now of course saw his way clear; he ran it up audaciously,
and it was purchased for Rosa at about the price it could have been
bought for at a shop.
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