A second attendant now came up and said: Sale now going on in south gallery, ladies.
Then Anne took her courage in her hands. We have never visited
and now called:
Seventy-five! I now have seventy-five, seven, seven, sev-sev-seventy seventy-fi-ifvvve! I have seventy-five dollars for this wonderful mahogany bed that is really worth seven hundred dollars in any store to-day. And I only have seventy-five dollars bid. Seven-tee
Again Eleanor half-stood up and this time she managed to say One hundred, please!
Thank you, young lady you certainly understand fine furniture. I am now offered one hundred dollars by one who knows the value of this bed one hundred, one hundred hundred one, h-u-ndred dollars offered who will give a hundred and ten only ten more gets it?
Polly was so amazed when Eleanor said One hundred dollars that she giggled hysterically; but not wishing to have her friend brag how she bid at this auction and her friends were too shy, Polly looked anxiously at the auctioneer. He saw that look and understood.
Dont hesitate, young lady. You know he who hesitates is lost in this case, loses a great bargain. If you wish to bid, never fear competing with a friend. In this business there are no friends all men are strangers. Shall I say one hundred and ten for you?
Polly nodded eagerly and smiled broadly at Eleanor. The two girls were so delighted with themselves at daring to speak out so bravely in a city like New York that they failed to realize the auctioneer had knocked down the bed to Polly.
This young lady in front. I must say she appreciates fine furniture! declared the suave auctioneer to everyone in general.
W-h-y, Pol le-ee! Is that your bed? gasped Mrs. Stewart.
Im sure I dont know. Is it, Nolla? laughed Polly.
Just then a brusque voice said: Name and address please and twenty-five per cent deposit money. The girls looked up in bewilderment. Who was the man?
He seemed to read their thoughts, for he smiled. I am the cashier. Everyone has to pay down a cash deposit on their bids. Everything you buy has to be removed by Saturday, or we are not responsible for it after that.
Oh! Polly and Eleanor looked at each other. They were trying to figure out how much money he wanted.
Here Ill pay the deposit. About thirty dollars, isnt it? said Anne, in a business-like tone.
Yes, thank you. Now name and address, please?
Whats the number of our stable, Anne? laughed Eleanor.
When Anne gave the address the cashier looked surprised. Oh, have you rented the Studio down the street?
The girls bowed wonderingly, and he added: The artist who lived there for a number of years, used to drop in here every week just for the entertainment of picking up curios. In fact, I saw him here a few minutes ago. He told me he would give fifty percent advance to the tenant who leased that place. Heres a chance for you to make money if you want to give up the Studio.
We want a home more than money, mister! declared Polly.
Youve said it, Poll! If we give up this studio we may have to go back and live in our gold mine, because New York hasnt any homes left, this year, laughed Eleanor.
The cashier had not missed the mention of our gold mine and determined to do his utmost to please these ladies. Hence he whispered: Ill look after everything you buy here, and dont worry about moving it away on Saturday. Next week will do, if you are not ready to get things out this week.
Polly, Polly! There goes a high-boy that matches the bed you got! cried Eleanor, at this moment.
They are pieces of the same set. Strange to say, they came from the very place you rented. The artist has to sell out because he cannot find an apartment, and there is no storage room for his furniture, explained the cashier.
So Polly secured the high-boy for sixty dollars and felt very proud of her purchases. Eleanor bought a pair of brass fire-dogs and irons, and Anne bid on a large etching. When it was knocked down to her, she turned to her mother and said: I really do not want it. What under the sun did I get it for?
And Mrs. Stewart laughed. Its always the way at these vendues. One gets all kinds of things one never needs.
Then lets get out. Girls, Im going now, whispered Anne, rising to leave.
The cashier hurried over when he saw the four new customers about to go, and said, The artist would like very much to meet his successors to the Studio.
At the same moment, a grey-haired gentleman bowed and smiled, and the group waited expectantly. Anne and Polly smiled also.
You are the kind friend who advised us, yesterday, when we had to leave the car, Anne said, pleasantly.
Yes, but I never dreamed I was directing you right to my front door, rejoined the artist.
Well,
Mr. Fabian, as long as youve met before, Ill go about my business, and the cashier hurried away, leaving the five people in the adjoining room.
Anne proceeded to introduce her friends and then added: It was providential that we went through that street. Now we have a home to our liking.