longer practicable. He has done what--

Here the conversation ceased in the other room, the Countess made a
movement of advance and I closed the book with an inward groan over
my ill-luck.

"It is very pretty," said she with a weary air; "but as I remarked
before, I am not in the buying mood. If you will take half you
mention, I may consider the subject, but--"

"Pardon me, Madame," I interrupted, being in no wise anxious to leave
the placque behind me, "I have been considering the matter and I hold
to my original price. Mr. Blake of Second Avenue may give it to me
if you do not."

"Mr. Blake!" She eyed me suspiciously. "Do you sell to him?"

"I sell to anyone I can," replied I; "and as he has an artist's eye
for such things--"

Her brows knitted and she turned away. "I do not want it;" said she,
"sell it to whom you please."

I took up the placque and left the room.



CHAPTER IX

A FEW GOLDEN HAIRS