“And the price,” said I, not seeming to notice the half-impertinent smile that curled his lip as he spoke.
“Three thousand crowns, Señhor,—less than half their cost.”
“A mere trifle,” said I, carelessly, “if the carriage please me.
“Your Excellency can see it in the court beneath.”
I followed the Jew as he led the way into the open “cour,” and, after passing across it, we entered a spacious building, where, amidst a whole hospital of ruined and dilapidated calèches, carres, and wagons, stood a most beautiful britscka, evidently imitated from some London or Parisian model. It was of a dark chocolate color, with rich linings of pale-blue silk. The arms of the late Gobernador were to have been painted on the doors, but fortunately were not begun when he died, so that the “carroza” seemed in every respect a private one. The Jew next showed me the team of mules, magnificent animals of fifteen and half hands in height, and in top condition. The harness and housings were all equally splendid and suitable.
“If your Excellency does not deem them unworthy of you,” said he, with a smile of most treacherous meaning, “they are certainly a great bargain. I have myself advanced fifteen hundred piastres upon them.”
“I'll take them,” said I, curtly; “and now for the servants.”
“The coachman and a few lacqueys are here still, your Excellency; but their liveries had not been ordered when the sad event occurred.”
“Send the first tailor in the place to my apartment,” said I; “and if there be a diamond merchant or a gem valuer here, let him come also.”
“I am myself a dealer in precious stones, your Excellency,” replied the Jew, with a more submissive air than he had yet exhibited.