Page:The Van Roon (IA thevanroon00snaiiala).pdf/28

 "Pigs might fly," snapped S. Gedge Antiques, his favourite formula for clinching an argument.

The mention of pigs, no doubt again by an association of ideas, enabled S. Gedge to notice, which he might have done any time for two minutes past, that his niece had emerged from the back premises, and that she was regarding William and the picture with frank curiosity.

"Well, niece," said the old man sharply. "What do you want now?"

"Is the cold mutton in the larder for dinner, Uncle Si?" said June with a slight but becoming blush at being called upon to speak in the presence of such a very nice looking young man.

"What else do you think we are going to have? Truffles in aspic or patty de four grass?"

"No, Uncle Si," said June gravely.

"Very well then," growled S. Gedge Antiques.