friends of
mine from New York, out here to buy antiques. To prove it to you-all,
that young lady there, next the young man, is the one who gave the
'Metropolitan' the rare print she found in my shop. So there! I reckon
that will hold you, for a time!"

The surprise felt by the buyers at this news about Polly, was instantly
followed by a general laugh at the auctioneer's final remark to them.
Baxter laughed at the interruption, but Polly felt very uncomfortable
with so many eyes turned her way. Mr. Van Styne, never dreaming of having
made personal remarks, now continued his sale.

The antique furniture in the upstairs chambers brought higher prices than
Polly had seen similar pieces on sale at the antique shops in New York,
and she wondered still more that a country auction should bring forth
buyers who were willing to pay such high prices.

Finally, feeling sure that there were no more bargains for them that day,
Polly led the way downstairs. Young Baxter tried to persuade her to
remain and try for a high-boy she had admired, but she refused to give
the high bids demanded. So Jack stayed when the others left the room.

Down on the side-porch, while waiting for Carl to come from the carriage
sheds, a well-dressed lady accosted Polly.

"I heard the auctioneer say you presented a rare print to the Museum in
New York City. I should be pleased to hear about it."

She handed Polly a card. Upon reading the name of one of the best known
amateur collectors in New York, Polly forgot to reply. Mrs. Fabian smiled
and spoke for her, to give her time to recover from her surprise. After
introducing the girls, Mrs. Fabian mentioned the fact that Polly and
Eleanor took advantage of every sale in or about the City, in order to
familiarize themselves with such articles as they would need in their
profession.

"Oh, are you studying this line of work?" asked the lady, deeply
interested at once.

"Yes, we have given several years to the study, already, and last Summer
we went abroad to visit the best known places where antiques and
collections were to be seen," replied Polly.

"Well then, my dears, this is my lucky day. I want someone to do this
sort of work for me, but I want only such interested individuals who love
the collecting for itself, and not alone for wages. Also, I want someone
who can tell a Sheraton piece from Empire. If you girls will accept a
proposition from me, I will be glad to talk it over, some morning, with
y