dBooks desire

The man's
expression--the normally pleasant and agreeable countenance
turned to repulsive by craft and lying--made
her eager to be gone. ``What is the most you will
give me?''
``I shall have to consider--''
``I've only a few minutes. Please do not irritate
me.''
The man was studying her countenance with a
desperate look. Why was she, the bride of the monstrously
rich American, why was she trying to sell the
bag? Did it mean the end of her resources? Or, were
there still huge orders to be got from her? His shrewd-
ness, trained by thirty years of dealing with all kinds of
luxurious human beings, went exploring in vain. He
was alarmed by her frown. He began hesitatingly:
``The jewels and the gold are only a small part of
the value. The chief value is the unique design, so
elegant yet so simple. For the jewels and the gold,
perhaps two thousand francs--''
``The purse was twelve thousand francs,'' interrupted
she.
``Perfectly, madame. But--''
``I am in great haste. How much will you give me?''
``The most would be four thousand, I fear.


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