The man of feeling, now wealthy from
the sale of human beings, hopes gentlemen will pardon his
nervousness on this occasion. He never felt the delicacy of his
profession so forcibly-never, until now! His countenance changes
with the emotions of his heart; he blushes as he looks upon the
human invoice, glances slily over the corner at the children, and
again at his customers. The culminating point of his profession has
arrived; its unholy character is making war upon his better
feelings. "I am not speaking ironically, gentlemen: any bidder of
the description I have named will get these children at a
satisfactory figure. Remember that, and that I am only acting in my
office for the honourable sheriff and the creditors," he concludes.
"If that be the case," Mr. Seabrook thinks to himself, "it's quite
as well. Our good lady friend will be fully satisfied. She only
wants to see them in good hands: deacons are just the fellows." He
very politely steps aside, lights his choice habanero, and sends
forth its curling fumes as the bidding goes on.
A person having the appearance of a country gentleman, who has been
some time watching the proceedings, is seen to approach Graspum:
this dignitary whispers something in his ear, and he leaves the
mart.
"I say, squire!" exclaims Romescos, addressing himself to the
auctioneer, "do you assume the responsibility of making special
purchasers? perhaps you had better keep an eye to the law and the
creditors, you had!" (Romescos's little red face fires with
excitement.
Pages:
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481