“Really?”
“See this first row; the diamonds are as large as filberts, and so even, you could not tell one from the other; then how beautifully the gradation of the rows is managed; the jeweler who made this necklace is an artist.”
“They are two.”
“Then I wager it is Bœhmer and Bossange.”
“You have guessed right.”
“Indeed, no one but they would risk making such a thing.”
“Madame, take care,” said the king; “you will have to pay too dear for this necklace.”
“Oh, sire!” cried the queen, all the delight fading from her countenance.
“You must pay the price of letting me be the first to put it on:” and he approached her, holding in his hands the two ends of the magnificent necklace, of which the clasp was one great diamond.
She stopped him, saying, “But, sire, is it very dear?”