He looked round him and smiled, all without help, and then in a moment, "I saw a jolly good piece of Capo di Monte to-day," he said.
Osmond answered nothing at first; but presently, while he warmed his boot-sole, "I don't care a fig for Capo di Monte!" he returned.
"I hope you're not losing your interest ?" "In old pots and plates?
Yes, I'm losing my interest." Rosier for an instant forgot the delicacy of his position.

"You're not thinking of parting with a--a piece or two ?" "No, I'm not thinking of parting with anything at all, Mr.Rosier," said Osmond, with his eyes still on the eyes of his visitor.
"Ah, you want to keep, but not to add," Rosier remarked brightly.
"Exactly.

I've nothing I wish to match." Poor Rosier was aware he had blushed; he was distressed at his want of assurance.

"Ah, well, I have!" was all he could murmur; and he knew his murmur was partly lost as he turned away.

He took his course to the adjoining room and met Mrs.Osmond coming out of the deep doorway.