Father's out on campaign and doesn't know. Mother thinks she's on a school trip. The school thinks she's staying home. In truth, she's in a cave in the mountains. Digging a tunnel with her fists, in the dark. If she can connect the southwest passages to the main burrow, she'll be able to visit much more freely.
Her steady break-scoop-pack movements make a comfortable rhythm, and she allows herself to fall into an almost trance-like state as she works.
Is she going to announce the winner of the auction?
(It was the man in the fine clothes. His bid was more than triple the next highest.)
Yeah, that can happen with a Vickrey auction. He gets the phonograph for a steal.
He is very pleased with himself. He wishes to start a collection of recordings. Is she willing to do more in the style of the one she demonstrated?
Of course, of course. She can come by his manor tomorrow to discuss details. It's the big one on the hill, can't be missed.
It is, as promised, unmissable. A low wall separates it from the neighbors. Inside the wall is a garden, with a startling profusion of plants arrayed in ranks by the color of their blossoms. Tiny statues dot the path up to the main door, where she is met by a servant.
"Of course. Please, enter." The floor is polished hardwood overlain with richly woven carpets. Landscapes and seascapes line the walls she's ushered along.
A screen door is drawn aside, and she is shown into the room where the man waits, sitting on a pile of cushions.
"Excellent. As you have seen, I am something of a collector. It is my sincere delight to be afforded this opportunity to add a new aspect."
"You got it. Themed, like movements of a piece, or do you mean something looser by set?"
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