“And it is beautiful?”
“Marvelous! I, who am a woman, think that one might lose sleep and appetite in wishing for it.”
“Alas! why have I not a vessel to give the king?”
“A vessel!”
“Yes, for in return he would give me the necklace, and then you could eat and sleep in peace.”
“You laugh.”
“No, really.”
“Well, I will tell you something that will astonish you. I would not have the necklace.”
“So much the better, countess, for I could not give it to you.”
“Neither you nor any one—that is what the queen feels.”