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?”

Second D. (interested).  And did he?

First D. Yes, he did—­he beyaved very fair over the matter, I will say that for him.

Second D. Oh, ’ANWAY’s a very decent little feller—­now.

Auct. (hopefully).  Now, Gentlemen, this next lot’ll tempt you, I’m sure!  Lot 33, a magnificent and very finely executed dramatic group out of the “Merchant of Venice,” Othello in the act of smothering Desdemona, both nearly life-size. (Assist., with a sardonic inflection. “Group ’ere, Gen’lm’n!”) What shall we say for this great work by ROCCOCIPPI, Gentlemen?  A hundred guineas, just to start us?

The F.B. Can’t you put the two figgers up separate?

Auct. You know better than that—­being a group, Sir.  Come, come, anyone give me a hundred for this magnificent marble group!  The figure of Othello very finely finished, Gentlemen.

The F.B. I should ha’ thought it was her who was the finely finished one of the two.

Auct. (pained by this levity).  Really, Gentlemen, do ’ave more appreciation of a ’igh-class work like this!...  Twenty-five guineas?...  Nonsense!  I can’t put it up at that.

    [Bidding languishes.  Lot withdrawn.

Second Disinterested Dealer (to First D.D., in an undertone).  I wouldn’t tell everyone, but I shouldn’t like to see you stay ’ere and waste your time; so, in case you was thinking of waiting for that last lot, I may just as well mention—­[Whispers.

First D.D. Ah, it’s that way, is it?  Much obliged to you for the ’int.  But I’d do the same for you any day.

Second D.D. I’m sure yer would!

    [They watch one another suspiciously.