I wonder what he paid for this. However, I shall know presently," and S. Gedge placed the bowl on a chair opposite the engraving "after" P. Bartolozzi.
His researches continued, but there was not much to follow. Still, that was to be expected. William had only been given twenty pounds and the bowl alone was a safe fiver. The old man was rather sorry that William had not been given more to invest. However, there was a copper coal-scuttle that might be polished up to fetch three pounds, and a set of fire irons and other odds and ends, not of much account in themselves, but all going to show that good use had been made of the money.
"Niece," called Uncle Si when at last the packing case was empty, "come and give a hand here."
With bright and prompt efficiency June helped to clear up the débris and to haul the packing case into the backyard.
The old man said at the successful conclusion of these operations:
"Now see what you can do with those potatoes. Boil 'em in their skins. There's less waste that way and there's more flavour."
"What time is dinner, Uncle Si?"
"One o'clock sharp."
S. Gedge Antiques, having put on his collar, and discarded his dressing gown for the frock coat of commerce, shambled forward into the front shop with the air of a man who has no time to waste upon trivialities. So far things were all right. The girl seemed willing and capable and he hoped she would continue to be respectful. The times were against it, certainly. In the present era of short skirts, open-work
