" Without waiting for more, the Count bowed
and left the shop.
"Akulina," said Fischelowitz, thoughtfully, as the door closed, "that man
is a gentleman, say what you please."
"A pretty gentleman," laughed Akulina, putting the money into the till. "A
gentleman indeed--why, look at his coat!"
"And you are a fool, Akulina," added Fischelowitz, handling his
india-rubber stamp.
"Thank you; but for my foolery you would be fifty marks poorer to-night,
Christian Gregorovitch. A gentleman, pah!"
The Count had drawn Vjera's willing arm through his, and they were walking
slowly away together.
"I must be going home," she said, reluctantly. "The little sister will be
crying for me. I cannot leave her any longer."
"Not till I have thanked you, dear," he answered, pressing her arm to his
side. "But I will go with you to your door, and thank you all the
way--though the way is far too short for all I have to say."
"I have done nothing--it has really cost me nothing." Vjera squeezed her
limp parcel under her shawl, and felt that she was speaking the truth.
"I cannot believe that, Vjera," said the Count. "You could not have found
so much money so quickly, without making some great sacrifice. But I will
give it back to you--"
"Oh no--no," she cried, earnestly. "Make no promises to me. Think what
this promise has cost you. When you have the money, you may give it back
if you choose--but it would make me so unhappy if you promised."
"Would it, child? And yet, my friends are waiting for me, and they have
money for me, too.
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