Before the auction

An original fiction passage set in the nineteenth century.

The auctioneer had not yet arrived, but Eliza could hear the men carrying her father’s furniture into the yard. She took the little brass label from the writing desk and slipped it into her glove. The desk itself would fetch a useful sum; its drawers still opened smoothly, and no stain marked the green leather. She could not prevent its sale. Before the men returned, she rubbed away the small chalk number they had written on its lid. It was an absurd resistance, she knew: the number could be written again in a moment. Nevertheless, when they lifted the desk, she kept her hand on it until they reached the door.

Give two details which show that Eliza is reluctant to part with the desk. You may use your own words or quotations.