Each article passed from hand to hand along the table while the auctioneer proclaimed its merits in a loud voice, those standing behind the line of chairs leaning over to look.
The sale began.
'Make your bids, gentlemen! make your bids!' cried the auctioneer from time to time.
Some amateur encouraged by this cry bid a higher sum with his eye on his competitors.

The auctioneer raised his hammer.
'Going--Going--Gone!' He rapped the table.

The article fell to the last bidder.

A murmur went round the assemblage, then the bidding recommenced.

The Cavaliere Davila, a Neapolitan gentleman of gigantic stature and almost femininely gentle manners, a noted collector and connoisseur of majolica, gave his opinion on each article of importance.