Bœhmer was shaken. Nothing reassures a suspicious merchant so much as a customer who beats down the price. However, he said, after a minute’s thought, “I cannot consent to a deduction which will make all the difference of loss or profit to myself and my partner.”
Don Manoël, after hearing this translated, rose, and Beausire returned the case to the jeweler.
“I will, however, speak to M. Bossange about it,” contained Bœhmer. “I am to understand that his excellency offers 1,500,000 francs for the necklace.”
“Yes, he never draws back from what he has said.”
“But, monsieur, you understand that I must consult with my partner.”
“Certainly, M. Bœhmer.”
“Certainly,” repeated Don Manoël, after hearing this translated; “but I must have a speedy answer.”
“Well, monseigneur, if my partner will accept the price, I will.”
“Good.”
“It then only remains, excepting the consent of M. Bossange, to settle the mode of payment.”