The bidding rose higher than the actual value of the article, which forced a smile from the auctioneer.

At last, vanquished by his adversary's determination, Giannetto Rutolo was silent.
'Going--going--!' Donna Ippolita's lover, a little pale, cried one last sum.

Sperelli named a higher--there was a moment's silence.

The auctioneer looked from one to the other, then he raised his hammer and slowly, still looking at the two--'Going--going--gone!' The Death's-head fell to the Conte d'Ugenta.

A murmur ran round the room.