Why, you were almost my best customer--I think almost my very best--thirty years ago, when my trade was better than it is now.

Yes, you gave me five pounds--or was it five pounds ten ?--for this very work.

And it is worth twelve pounds now--I assure you it is worth twelve pounds, if it is worth a penny." "Will you give me ten pounds for it, then ?" cried the other eagerly; "I want the money badly." "No, I can't; but I will send you to a man who can and will.

I do not speculate now; I never go to auctions.

I am old, you see.