"What did you pay for that stone?" said he.
"Are you serious in asking that question, do you really wish to know?"
"Quite serious."
"Then I must explain, that, if I have not before replied to your different exclamations of admiration, it was because I thought you were joking. Now that I know the contrary, I feel bound to tell you, that that superb diamond, which has dazzled you so much, is only paste."
"How do you mean—paste?" said Béroli, with an air of pique. "It is you that are joking."
"No; I assure you I am in earnest."
"Oh! nonsense; let me see it closer." Saying these words, Béroli took up the hand of Andréas, fixed his eyes on the ring, and kept turning it about to make it glitter.
"You may tell others that it is false, but there is no use in telling me so. I can assure you that your stone is a real diamond.
"Very well; I am glad to hear it," rejoined Andréas, feigning the greatest indifference. "Let me see, it is your turn to play."
The two players continued their game, but Béroli appeared distrait, and kept constantly looking at the ring. At length he could no longer restrain himself.