Pagina 15 van 1294

"But that's for me to do as I please, my good sir, to wait or to

sell your pledge at once."

"How much will you give me for the watch, Alyona Ivanovna?"

"You come with such trifles, my good sir, it's scarcely worth

anything. I gave you two roubles last time for your ring and one

could buy it quite new at a jeweler's for a rouble and a half."

"Give me four roubles for it, I shall redeem it, it was my

father's. I shall be getting some money soon."

"A rouble and a half, and interest in advance, if you like!"

"A rouble and a half!" cried the young man.

"Please yourself"--and the old woman handed him back the watch.

The young man took it, and was so angry that he was on the point

of going away; but checked himself at once, remembering that

there was nowhere else he could go, and that he had had another

object also in coming.

"Hand it over," he said roughly.