Eveline gave him a yet shorter answer. She dashed the timepiece which he had put into her hand with such force on the floor that it flew into a hundred pieces. That was her answer!
Prince Waldemar laughed, put his hand in his left-hand waistcoat-pocket, took out another watch, and said, dryly:
"I expected just such an answer, and therefore I brought with me another watch. I beg of you to break this one also. I shall be only too happy to provide you with a third."
This time, however, Eveline did not take the timepiece in her hand. She sprang to her feet, and, pointing with her hand towards the door, cried out:
"If you have bought my things, take everything away; but the apartment is still mine. Go!"
Prince Waldemar looked at her haughtily, although he was still smiling.
"My dear lady, this is easily said; but reflect a moment. What will become of you if you reject me? You have no other expedient."
"I have a shelter," returned the girl, bitterly, "to which I can turn, and that is charcoal."
Prince Waldemar made her a low bow, and, without uttering another word, took his hat and left her.
A woman who appeals to charcoal needs no man's friendship. In the metropolis of fashion many poor wretches have found their last refuge there.