‘No friends.’
‘And not much coin. Ah, well, you’ve them swell bracelets; and the shawl, too, is worth money.’
It was very strange—innocent as the remark seemed, it appeared to make the tall figure of the listener tremble with agitation, perhaps with anger. With a quick impetuous movement she drew off her bracelets and threw them into the girl’s lap.
‘Take them—I don’t want them! And the shawl too—take it, and give me yours.’
‘No, you’re joking!’
‘Quick!’
In a moment the change was effected; and the women now stood erect and face to face. The commoner and more outcast creature seemed utterly stupefied by what had taken place. Suddenly the other seized both her hands, and said quickly—
‘The river—is it there?’
A light seemed suddenly to flash in upon the outcast’s bewildered brain.
‘You’re not a-going to drown yourself? No!’ ‘I don’t know—perhaps!’