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, any one 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 Lot withdrawn._ SECOND DISINTERESTED DEALER (_to_ FIRST D. D., _in an undertone_).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 every one, 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._