"Devil! cease to torment me!" screamed the lady, clasping her hands.
"The sheriff's lady in gaol!—it's an ugly thing. The sheriff's influence no doubt would go for something to make the punishment short and mild; they would give you, say, six months, or three months; but still,—you have been in gaol, and,—for thieving in company with a Jew. Besides, there are the cross-examinations, the evidence——"
"Catspaw!" screamed Lady Rety, with the bound of a wounded panther, "No! you cannot do that!"
"I can and I will do it, unless I have the bills on Friday next."
"You shall have them!"
"Five bills of ten thousand florins each, and signed by the sheriff."
"Yes."
"The bills to be payable from six to six months."
"I know it all. For pity's sake, leave me!" cried she, with a dying voice.
"You shall have the papers the day you give me the bills," added the attorney, seizing his hat. "Good night, my lady!" And he left the room.