of himself to an opinion fell from him with so little
sacrifice of his neutral expression, that the bid might not have been detected
as his but for the friendly oaths of Mr. Bambridge, who wanted to know what
Horrock would do with blasted stuff only fit for haberdashers given over to that
state of perdition which the horse-dealer so cordially recognised in the
majority of earthly existences. The lot was finally knocked down at a guinea to
Mr. Spilkins, a young Slender of the neighbourhood, who was reckless with his
pocket - money and felt his want of memory for riddles.
    »Come, Trumbull, this is too bad - you've been putting some old maid's
rubbish into the sale,« murmured Mr. Toller, getting close to the auctioneer. »I
want to see how the prints go, and I must be off soon.«
    »Immediately, Mr. Toller. It was only an act of benevolence which your noble
heart would approve. Joseph! quick with the prints - Lot 235. Now, gentlemen,
you who are connoissures, you are going to have a treat. Here is an engraving of
the Duke of Wellington surrounded by his staff on the Field of Waterloo; and
notwithstanding recent events which have, as it were, enveloped our great Hero
in a cloud, I will be bold to say - for a man in my line must not be blown about
by political winds - that a finer subject - of the modern order, belonging to
our own time and epoch - the understanding of man could hardly conceive: angels
might, perhaps, but not men, sirs, not men.«
    »Who painted it?« said Mr. Powderell, much impressed.
    »It is a proof before the letter, Mr. Powderell - the painter is not known,«
answered Trumbull, with a certain gaspingness in his last words, after which he
pursed up his lips and stared round him.
    »I'll bid a pound!« said Mr. Powderell, in a tone of resolved emotion, as of
a man ready to put himself in the breach. Whether from awe or pity, nobody
raised the price on him.
    Next came two Dutch prints which Mr. Toller had been eager for, and after he
had secured them he went away. Other prints, and afterwards some paintings, were
sold to leading Middlemarchers who had come with a special desire for them, and
there was a more active movement of the audience in and out; some, who had
bought what they wanted, going away, others coming in either quite newly or