“Yes, selling is their business. But, gold and diamonds have a certain value in themselves, and, I suppose, will always bring it.” After some further consultation on the subject, it was determined to carry out, as far as possible, these mutual suggestions. But, causes not easily overcome, prevented the execution of their designs on that day, and it was, therefore, postponed until the next. Early in the day, Eunice, after apprising her mother of what she intended doing, went out and procured porters, who were directed to take her piano to the auction store of Trist & Lee. Willing as Eveline was to make her part of the sacrifice, in order to sustain her father, she shrunk from the exposure of an attempt to sell her jewelry, and, therefore, the whole task fell upon Eunice, who nerved herself to its performance by thinking of her parent’s extremity. Modest and retiring as she was, the thought of exposing herself among men, in places of business, as a vender of goods, made her heart beat low in her bosom. But she thrust this thought from her mind with an effort, and went forth with a firm step, to do what she felt to be her duty for that day--and this feeling sustained her. When Eunice arrived at the auction rooms, she found them crowded with men. A sale was in progress. She retired quickly, and went back home, where she waited for a couple of hours. At her second visit, the rooms were empty. On asking for one of the firm, she was pointed to Mr. Lee, who bowed politely as she approached him. “I sent a piano here, this morning,” she said, in a low, trembling voice, at the same time drawing her veil over her face, to hide the crimson that was overspreading it. She was less composed than she had hoped to be. “The beautiful rosewood piano?” asked the auctioneer. “Yes, sir.” Eunice spoke more firmly. “You wish it sold, I presume?” “Yes, sir.” “It’s a very beautiful instrument.” As Mr. Lee said this, he turned and walked toward the part of the store where the piano stood, and Eunice walked with him. “A very beautiful instrument,” he repeated, as he opened it, and ran his fingers over the keys; “and a high-priced one, too. I suppose it didn’t cost less than six or seven hundred dollars.” “A thousand were paid for it.” “Indeed! So much! Do you wish it sold at public or private sale?” “In which ever way it can be sold quickest and best,” replied Eunice. “It can be sold quickest at public sale, but best at private sale. How much do you expect to receive for it?” “I think it ought to bring five or six hundred dollars. It is not in the least defaced, or injured in tone.”