--S.S." "Now, Woodden," he went on, when
he had given the card to an attendant who passed it up to the
auctioneer, "don't you make a fool of yourself and let that 'Pavo'
slip through your fingers."
In another instant he was gone.
"What did the master say, sir?" asked Woodden of me. "That I was to
get that there 'Paving' whatever it cost?"
"Yes," I said, "that's what he said. I suppose it will fetch a good
deal--several pounds."
"Maybe, sir, can't tell. All I know is that I've got to buy it as you
can bear me witness. Master, he ain't one to be crossed for money.
What he wants, he'll have, that is if it be in the orchid line."
"I suppose you are fond of orchids, too, Mr. Woodden?"
"Fond of them, sir? Why, I loves 'em!" (Here he rocked.) "Don't feel
for nothing else in the same way; not even for my old woman" (then
with a burst of enthusiasm) "no, not even for the master himself, and
I'm fond enough of him, God knows! But, begging your pardon, sir"
(with a pull at his forelock), "would you mind holding that tin of
yours a little tighter? I've got to keep an eye on that as well as on
'O.
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