AUCTIONEER. For six thousand one hundred. [DAWKER] And two. Thank you. [HORNBLOWER] And three. For six thousand three hundred. [DAWKER] And four. For six thousand four hundred pounds. This coveted property. For six thousand four hundred pounds. Why, it's giving it away, gen'lemen. [A pause.] MRS. H. Giving! AUCTIONEER. Six thousand four hundred bid. [HORNBLOWER] And five. [DAWKER] And six. [HORNBLOWER] And seven. [DAWKER] And eight. [A pause, during which, through the door Left, someone beckons to the SOLICITOR, who rises and confers.] HILLCRIST. [Muttering] I've done if that doesn't get it. AUCTIONEER. For six thousand eight hundred. For six thousand eight hundred-once--[He taps] twice--[He tape] For the last time. This dominating site. [HORNBLOWER] And nine. Thank you. For six thousand nine hundred. [HILLCRIST has taken out his handkerchief.] JILL. Oh! Dodo! MRS. H. [Quivering] Don't give in! AUCTIONEER. Seven thousand may I say? [DAWKER] Seven thousand. MRS. H. [Whispers] Keep it down; don't show him. AUCTIONEER. For seven-thousand--going for seven thousand--once-- [Taps] twice [Taps] [HORNBLOWER] And one. Thank you, sir. [HILLCRIST blows his nose. JILL, with a choke, leans back in her seat and folds her arms tightly on her chest. MRS. HILLCRIST passes her handkerchief over her lips, sitting perfectly still. HILLCRIST, too, is motionless.] [The AUCTIONEER, has paused, and is talking to the SOLICITOR, who has returned to his seat.] MRS. H. Oh! Jack. JILL. Stick it, Dodo; stick it! AUCTIONEER. Now, gen'lemen, I have a bid of seven thousand one hundred for the Centry. And I'm instructed to sell if I can't get more. It's a fair price, but not a big price. [To his friend MR. SPICER] A thumpin' price? [With his smile] Well, you're a judge of thumpin', I admit. Now, who'll give me seven thousand two hundred? What, no one? Well, I can't make you, gen'lemen. For seven thousand one hundred. Once--[Taps] Twice--[Taps]. [JILL utters a little groan.] HILLCRIST. [Suddenly, in a queer voice] Two.