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DIAMONDS TO SIT ON
Bender pulled out his pocket-book, counted two hundred roubles, and turned to Hippolyte. ‘ Come on, my friend, add thirty roubles, and hurry up. Can’t you see the young lady is waiting ? Well? ’ But Hippolyte did not make any attempt to take the money out of his pocket. ‘ Well ? What are you staring at me for ? Has it gone to your head ? ’ ' I haven’t any money,’ said Hippolyte slowly. ‘ What d’you mean you haven’t any money ? ’ ‘ I haven’t any.’ ‘ But the two hundred roubles I gave you ? ’ ' I have 1-1-lost it ! ’ Bender stared at Hippolyte. ' Come on,’ he said peremptorily. * Give me the money, you old scoundrel! ’ ' Are you—or are you not—going to pay ? ’ asked the young woman. ‘ One moment, please,’ said Bender, with a charming smile. ‘ There’s a slight hitch.’ There was still a hope left. They might be able to persuade the auctioneer to wait for the money. Suddenly Hippolyte came to his senses and said indignantly ; ‘ Excuse me, but why should there be any commission ? We knew nothing about the com mission. Why should we pay it ? I refuse to pay the extra amount.’
- Very well,’ said the young woman amiably. ‘ I’ll
see what I can do. I’ll try and arrange the matter.’ She went back to the auctioneer and spoke to him. The auctioneer immediately stood up and said in a ringing voice : ‘ The rule is that a person who refuses to pay the full sum for any article must leave the auction-room. The sale of the chairs is invahd.’ The friends were dumbfounded. I must ask you to leave,’ said the auctioneer. The excitement was intense. The pubhc tittered
