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DIAMONDS TO SIT ON

to take his money and to give him a receipt. The auctioneer’s hammer rose and fell many times. The suspense was unbearable. ‘ A bronze bust of Alexander III. Could be used as a paper-weight. I must say it’s not fit for much else ! ’ The public laughed. Hippolyte did not take his eyes off the chairs. ‘ Ten chairs from the Palace,’ shouted the auctioneer. ' Why from the Palace ? ’ asked Hippolyte. ‘ Shut up ! ’ snapped Bender. ‘ Go to the devil! Don’t interrupt ! ’ ' Ten chairs from the Palace. Walnut, Alexander II period, in perfect condition, the work of Gambs. . . . Basil, pass me one of the chairs.’ Basil handled the chair so roughly that Hippolyte jumped up from his seat. ‘ Sit down, you idiot ! ’ hissed Bender. ‘ You’re an absolute pest 1 Sit down 1 ’ Hippolyte’s lips^were trembling, and Bender’s eyes were shining. ‘ Ten walnut chairs. Eighty roubles.’ The room grew animated. This was a useful lot. One hand after another shot up. Bender kept calm. ‘ Why don’t you bid ? ’ asked Hippolyte. ‘ Leave me alone,’ retorted Bender sharply, clenching his teeth. One hundred and twenty roubles in the back row. Hundred and thirty-five also in the back row. Hundred and forty- ’ Bender turned his back on the auctioneer and super­ ciliously examined the crowd. The auction was at its height and the room was packed. A lady just behind Bender fancied the chairs and put up her hand : ‘ What beautiful chairs, darling ! What wonderful work ! And they’re from the Palace too 1 ’ she exclaimed ecstatically. A hundred and forty-five in the fifth row to the right. Going'-