The man was in the shop alone. Thaddeus thought himself fortunate;
and, after subduing a few qualms, entered the door. The moment he
laid his sword and pistols on the counter, and declared his wish, the
man, even through the disguise of a large coat and slouched hat,
recollected him. This honest money-lender carried sentiments in his
breast above his occupation. He did not commiserate all who presented
themselves before him, because many exhibited too evidently the
excesses which brought them to his shop. But there was something in
the figure and manner of the Count Sobieski which had struck him at
first sight, and by continuing to possess his thoughts, had excited
so great an interest towards him as to produce pleasure with regret,
when he discerned the noble foreigner again obliged to proffer such
things.
Mr. Burket (for so this money-lender was called) respectfully asked
what he demanded for the arms.
"Perhaps more than you would give. But I have something else here,"
laying down the diamonds; "I want eight guineas."
Mr. Burket looked at them, and then at their owner, hesitated and
then spoke.
"I beg your pardon, sir; I hope I shall not offend you, but these
things appear to have a value independent of their price; they are
inlaid with crests and ciphers."
The blood flushed over the cheeks of the count. He had forgotten this
circumstance.
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