Charlotte, with care, immediately took it up, while the Prince, who had after a minute shifted his position again, regarded it from a distance.
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.