Page:The Van Roon (IA thevanroon00snaiiala).pdf/179



"Five thousand guineas, sir, I have just refused," said Uncle Si, "for this little thing, as sure as God's in the sky."

So shocked was June by this adding of blasphemy to his other crimes, that she shivered audibly. Miss Babraham cocked up her head at the sound. "You've a cat somewhere, haven't you?" she said, looking around the shop.

"No, madam," said Uncle Si shortly. So like a woman to butt in at such a moment with such a remark!

"In my humble opinion," said Sir Arthur, gazing solemnly at the picture, "this is a finer example of Van Roon than the one—and the only one!—we have in the National Gallery."

"There, sir, I am with you," said S. Gedge Antiques with unction.

"One would like to know its history."

The old man became a sphinx once more. "I can only tell you, sir, I didn't buy it as a Van Roon," he said cautiously.

"Really!" Sir Arthur grew more intrigued than ever. "Well, Mr. Gedge, whatever you bought it as, I think there can be no doubt that you've made a lucky purchase."

"I am wondering, sir," said S. Gedge Antiques, "whether the National Gallery would care to acquire