It was heavier than Charlotte had thought. "Gold, really gold?" she asked of their companion.
He hesitated. "Look a little, and perhaps you'll make out."
She looked, holding it up in both her fine hands, turning it to the light. "It may be cheap for what it is, but it will be dear, I'm afraid, for me."
"Well," said the man, "I can part with it for less than its value. I got it, you see, for less."
"For how much then?"
Again he waited, always with his serene stare. "Do you like it then?"
Charlotte turned to her friend. "Do YOU like it?" He came no nearer; he looked at their companion. "cos'e?"
"Well, signori miei, if you must know, it's just a perfect crystal."
"Of course we must know, per Dio!" said the Prince. But he turned away again—he went back to his glass door.
Charlotte set
