And wrenching his hand free, he opened the case before she could again prevent him.
Out fell a cascade of light, a diamond necklace.

It flashed to the floor, where it lay on one of the sofa cushions, sending up a spray of rainbow colours.
_"Sacre bleu!"_ muttered the Frenchman, under his breath, for whatever he had expected, he had not expected that.

But Maxine spoke not a word.
Shorn of hope, as, in spite of her prayers and tears, the leather case was torn open, she was shorn of strength as well; and the beautiful, tall figure crumpling like a flower broken on its stalk, she would have fallen if I had not caught her, holding her up against my shoulder.

When the cataract of diamonds sprang out of the case, however, I felt her limp body straighten itself.

I felt her pulses leap.