The solid string of packed cars blocks surrounding the Hotel and blockading the entrance. The silent prayer to Einstein to come and solve the space situation, if solvable. The two surly lions crouching at the hotel doors. The fetid humanity surging in and out of the rooms commenting, appraising, wondering. The heavy veils of blue cigarette snioke which cloud the objects for! sale. The debonair gentleman who wonders whether or not he may bay—
"The be which Mary Pickford slept."
The policeman sound asleep the French tapestry s The small boy who brushes a marble figure off a teakwood stand and runs. The bored matron who is ing for the auctioneer to get around to the mattresses in time for her to go out and have a strong cup of tea.
"So tiring, don't you think dear? These dreadful auctions. Se full of the commoner people."
The sudden sound of the tioneer's voice and the tense moment of silence. The "Kienlung" Peking carpet in dull blue and gold.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.