"Choose, my dear; they are at your service."
She saw first bracelets, then a necklace of pearls, a Venetian cross, gold and precious stones of exquisite workmanship. She tried them on before the glass, unable to decide whether to wear them or not.
"Have you nothing else?" said she.
"Oh, yes; look them over, I don't know what might please you."
Suddenly she opened a black satin case, disclosing to view a superb rivière of diamonds, her heart beat furiously with the desire of possession. She took them in her trembling hands and put them on over her simple high-neck gown, and stood lost in an ecstasy of admiration of herself. Then, fearfully, hesitatingly, dreading the agony of a refusal:
"Can you lend me only that?"
"Why, certainly; if it pleases you."
She fell on her friend's neck, embraced her tempestuously, and then left hastily with her treasure.
The day of the ball arrived. Madame Loisel was a success. Among all the beautiful women she was the most beautiful, elegant, gracious, and smiling with joy. She attracted the attention of some of the most distinguished men present, and on all sides was heard:
"Who is she?"