That's pretty stiff, but still, it may be worth it." At this moment Mr.Primrose, who, leaning over his desk, was engaged in animated conversation with an excited knot of orchid fanciers, looked up: "Oh! there you are, Mr.Somers," he said.

"In the name of all this company let me congratulate you on having become the owner of the matchless 'Odontoglossum Pavo' for what, under all the circumstances, I consider the quite moderate price of L2,300." Really that young man took it very well.

He shivered slightly and turned a little pale, that is all.

Woodden rocked to and fro like a tree about to fall.

I and my tin box collapsed together in the corner.