Charny approached, and took her hands in his. “This evening it will be too late. Save me from despair, by saving yourself from shame.”
“Monsieur!”
“Oh, I cannot pick my words with death, before me! If you do not listen to me, we shall both die; you from shame, and I from grief. You want money to pay for this necklace.”
“I?”
“Do not deny it.”
“I tell you——”
“Do not tell me that you have not the necklace.”
“I swear!”
“Do not swear, if you wish me to love you. There remains one way to save at once your honor and my love. The necklace is worth 1,600,000 francs—you have paid 100,000. Here is the remainder; take it, and pay.”
“You have sold your possessions—you have ruined yourself for me! Good and noble heart, I love you!”