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 hope you'll give me an opportunity of looking at it again."

This modest request caused the old man to rub his nose. He was not in a position, he said mysteriously, to give a promise, but certainly he would do his best to meet the wishes of Sir Arthur.

"Thank you, Mr. Gedge. If this picture is not claimed by other people, and of course one doesn't for a moment suggest that it will be, steps might be taken to keep it here. We are so poor in Van Roons—there is only one, I believe—to our shame!—in this country at the present time—that we can't afford to let a thing like this slip through our fingers. Therefore, as I say, before you decide to sell I hope you'll take advice."

S. Gedge Antiques gravely thanked Sir Arthur Babraham. He would keep those wise words in mind. And in the meantime he would pack That in a crate—he pointed a finger straight at June's eyes—and send it to Homefield.

"near Byfleet, Surrey, I think you said, sir?"