"Six guineas," said she.
"Six-ten."
"Seven."
"Seven-ten."
"Eight."
"Eight-ten."
"Ten guineas," said Rosa; and then, with feminine cunning, stealing a
sudden glance, caught her friend leaning back and signalling the broker
not to give in.
"Eleven pounds."
"Twelve."
"Thirteen."
"Fourteen."
"Sixteen."
"Eighteen."
"Twenty."
"Twenty guineas."
"It is yours, my faithful friend," said Rosa, turning suddenly round
to Mrs. Cole, with a magnificent glance no one would have thought her
capable of.
Then she rose and stalked away.
Dumfounded for the moment, Mrs. Cole followed her, and stopped her at
the door.
"Why, Rosie dear, it is the only thing I have bid for. There I've sat by
your side like a mouse."
Rosa turned gravely towards her. "You know it is not that. You had only
to tell me you wanted it. I would never have been so mean as to bid
against you."
"Mean, indeed!" said. Florence, tossing her head.
"Yes, mean; to draw back and hide behind the friend you were with,
and employ the very rogue she had turned off. But it is my own fault.
Cecilia warned me against you. She always said you were a treacherous
girl."
"And I say you are an impudent little minx.
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