_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 Lot withdrawn._ _Second Disinterested Dealer_ (_to First D.D., in an undertone_).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._ _Auct._ Now 'ere's a tasteful thing, Gentlemen. Lot. 41. "_Nymph eating Oysters_" ("_Nymph 'ere, Gen'lm'n!_"), by the celebrated Italian artist VABENE, one of the finest works of Art in this room, and they're _all_ exceedingly fine works of Art; but this is _truly_ a work of Art, Gentlemen. What shall we say for her, eh? (_Silence._) Why, Gentlemen, no more appreciation than _that_? Come, don't be afraid of it. Make a beginning. (_Bidding starts._) Forty-five guineas. Forty-six--_pounds_. Forty-six pounds only, this remarkable specimen of modern Italian Art. Forty-six and a 'arf. Only forty-six ten bid for it. Give character to any gentleman's collection, a figure like this would. Forty-seven _pounds_--_guineas_! and a 'arf.... Forty-seven and a 'arf guineas.... For the last time! Bidding with you, Sir. Forty-seven guineas and a 'arf--Gone! Name, Sir, if _you_ please. Oh, money? Very well. Thank you. _Proud Purchaser_ (_to Friend, in excuse for his extravagance_). You see, I must have something for that grotto I've got in the grounds. _His Friend_. If she was mine, I should put her in the hall, and have a gaslight fitted in the oyster-shell. _P.P._ (_thoughtfully_). Not a bad idea. But electric light would be more suitable, and easier to fix too. Yes--we'll see. _The Obl. Broker_ (_pursuing the Am. Spect._). I 'ope, Sir, you'll remember me, next time you're this way.