And M. de Larnac springing from his carriage, related what had taken
place at the sale before the Tribunal of Souvigny.

"At first," he said, "everything went upon wheels. The castle went to
Monsieur Gallard for 650,000 francs. No competitor--a raise of fifty
francs had been sufficient. On the other hand, there was a little battle
for Blanche-Couronne. The bids rose from 500,000 francs to 520,000
francs, and again Monsieur Gallard was victorious. Another and more
animated battle for La Rozeraie; at last it was knocked down to you,
Madame, for 455,000 francs . . . . I got the forest of La Mionne
without opposition at a rise of 100 francs. All seemed over, those
present had risen, our solicitors were surrounded with persons asking the
names of the purchasers."

"Monsieur Brazier, the judge intrusted with the sale, desired silence,
and the bailiff of the court offered the four lots together for 2,150,000
or 2,160,000 francs, I don't remember which. A murmur passed through the
assembly. 'No one will bid' was heard on all sides. But little Gibert,
the solicitor, who was seated in the first row, and till then had given
no sign of life, rose and said calmly, 'I have a purchaser for the four
lots together at 2,200,000 francs.' This was like a thunderbolt.
A tremendous clamor arose, followed by a dead silence. The hall was
filled with farmers and laborers from the neighborhood. Two million
francs! So much money for the land threw them into a sort of respectful
stupor. However, Monsieur Gallard, bending toward Sandrier, the
solicitor who had bid for him, whispered something in his ear. The
struggle began between Gibert and Sandrier. The bids rose to 2,500,000
francs. Monsieur Gallard hesitated for a moment--decided--continued up
to 3,000,000. Then he stopped and the whole went to Gibert. Every one