"I do not know," replied Frowenfeld, as he touched the spring of the case; "I will see what I have."
He passed into the back room, more than willing to get out of sight till he might better collect himself.
"I do not keep these things for sale," said he as he went.
"Sir?" asked the Creole, as if he had not understood, and followed through the open door.
"Is this what that lady was getting?" he asked, touching the remnant of the basil in the box.
"Yes, sir," said the apothecary, with his face in the drawer of a table.
"They had no carriage with them." The Creole spoke with his back turned, at the same time running his eyes along a shelf of books. Frowenfeld made only the sound of rejecting bits of crystal and taking up others. "I do not know who they are," ventured the merchant.
Joseph still gave no answer, but a moment after approached, with the instrument in his extended hand.
"You had it? I am glad," said the owner, receiving it, but keeping one hand still on the books.
Frowenfeld put up his materials.