But if the place was
gloomy, the borrowers seemed to take their misfortunes good-humoredly.
They were mostly students and women, talking gayly as they waited
for their turns. The Count de Tremorel advanced with his watch,
chain, and a brilliant diamond that he had taken from his finger.
He was seized with the timidity of misery, and did not know how to
open his business. A young woman pitied his embarrassment.
[* The public pawnbroker establishment of Paris, which has
branch bureaus through the city.]
"See," said she, "put your articles on this counter, before that
window with green curtains."
A moment after he heard a voice which seemed to proceed from the
next room:
"Twelve hundred francs for the watch and ring."
This large amount produced such a sensation as to arrest all the
conversation. All eyes were turned toward the millionnaire who was
going to pocket such a fortune. The millionnaire made no response.
The same woman who had spoken before nudged his arm.
"That's for you," said she. "Answer whether you will take it or
not."
"I'll take it," cried Hector.
He was filled with a joy which made him forget the night's torture.
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