Charles and Elizabeth are at home, enjoying a

morning cup of tea.

"Fancy going to the auctions, Charlie?" asked Elizabeth.

"I wouldn't mind a new

painting for the hallway."

"Best suggestion I've heard all morning!" quipped Charles.

"That sounds splendid.

You never know what

you'll find at the auctions."

"May I drive?"

asked Elizabeth.

"Most certainly,"

replied Charles.

"Let's skedaddle!"

Charles and Elizabeth arrive

and seat themselves

just as the auctions

are about to begin.

The auctioneer calls for the bidding to begin.

"Our first lot is an ancient fossilised ammonite. Bidding starts at five dollars."

"Five dollars!"

cried one bidder in a heavy Australian accent.

"Thank you, sir,"

said the auctioneer.

"I have five dollars. Any further advances on five?"

"Ten dollars,"

cried another bidder.

"I have ten dollars,"

said the auctioneer.

"Do I hear fifteen dollars?"

"Fifteen right here, mate!"

said the first bidder.

"Fifteen dollars I now have,"

said the auctioneer.

"Do I hear any advances on fifteen?"

A silence fell over the bidders.

"No further bids on fifteen?"

asked the auctioneer.

"Very well - going once, going twice, sold!

Congratulations, sir."

"Ripper!"

cried the Australian gentleman.

"Well done,"

said Charles.

"Our next lot is an oil painting of a clown fish,"

explained the auctioneer.

"A very pretty piece indeed."

"Ooh my!"

exclaimed Elizabeth.

"I quite fancy that!"

"Bidding starts at five dollars,"

said the auctioneer.

"Do I hear five?"

"Five dollars!"

cried Elizabeth.

"Twenty dollars!"

cried another bidder.

"Thirty bucks, mate!"

cried the Australian gentleman.

"Fifty dollars!"

cried out Elizabeth, determined to win

the auction.

"Bidding stands at fifty dollars,"

said the auctioneer.

"Any advances on fifty?"

There was silence from

the other bidders.

"I'm giddy with excitement!"

exclaimed Elizabeth to Charles.