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The second batch of letters, which Frank Vintcent sent out on the following Friday, caused another flurry of phone calls

‘I’aret, in her first co round to see hiht before

‘It means exactly what it says, oods are to co those I consider near and dear to me to select one item that, for sentimental or personal reasons, they would like to see remain in the family They will then be able to bid for them at the auction next Friday’

‘But we could all be outbid and end up with nothing,’ said Margaret

‘No,not to sound exasperated ‘The public auction will be held in the afternoon The selected pieces will be auctioned separately in the , with only the family and close friends present The instructions couldn’t be clearer’

‘And are we able to see the pieces before the auction takes place?’

‘Yes, Margaret,’ said her brother, as if addressing a backward child ‘As Mr Vintcent stated clearly in his letter, “Viewing Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm, before the sale on Friday at eleven o’clock”’

‘But we can only select one piece?’

‘Yes,’ repeated Cornelius, ‘that is all the petitioner in bankruptcy would allow But you’ll be pleased to know that the portrait of Daniel, which you have commented

on sothe lots available for your consideration’

‘Yes, I do like it,’ said Margaret She hesitated for a moment ‘But will the Turner also be up for sale?’

‘It certainly will,’ said Cornelius ‘I’’

‘Have you any idea what Hugh and Elizabeth are after?’

‘No, I haven’t, but if you want to find out, why don’t you ask theed a word from one year’s end to the next