"You will not have forgotten this
at any rate," said Trendellsohn, bringing the necklace from out of his
pocket.
"How did you get it?" said Nina, not putting out her hand to take it,
but looking at it as it lay upon the table.
"I thought you would be glad to have it back again."
"I should be glad if--"
"If what?" Will it be less welcome because it comes through my hands?"
"The man lent me money upon it, and you must have paid the money."
"What if I have? I like your pride, Nina; but be not too proud. Of
course I have paid the money. I know Rapinsky, who deals with us often.
I went to him after you spoke to me, and got it back again. There is
your mother's necklace."
"I am sorry for this, Anton."
"Why sorry?"
"We are so poor that I shall be driven to take it elsewhere again. I
cannot keep such a thing in the house while father wants. But better he
should want than--"
"Than what, Nina?"
"There would be something like cheating in borrowing money on the same
thing twice."
"Then put it by, and I will be your lender.
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