A notice stated that these would be sold at one-thirty precisely.

All about the room stood knots of men (such ladies as were present sat at the table), many of whom had lovely orchids in their buttonholes.

These, I found out afterwards, were dealers and amateurs.

They were a kindly-faced set of people, and I took a liking to them.
The whole place was quaint and pleasant, especially by contrast with the horrible London fog outside.

Squeezing my small person into a corner where I was in nobody's way, I watched the proceedings for a while.
Suddenly an agreeable voice at my side asked me if I would like a look at the catalogue.