“He was turning to and fro in his fingers a small white bottle, the transparency of which he was trying before his eye, as a good housekeeper tries the eggs which she buys at market.
“Balsamo gazed on him at first in silence; then, after a moment’s pause:—
“‘Well,’ said he, ‘have you any news?’
“‘Yes, yes; come hither, Acharat, you see me enchanted—transported with joy! I have found—I have found——’
“‘What?’
“‘Pardieu! what I sought.’
“‘Gold?’
“‘Gold, indeed! I am surprised at you!’
“‘The diamond?’
“‘Gold? diamonds? The man raves! A fine discovery, forsooth, to be rejoiced at!’