She believed that she might be able to borrow money on her treasure, leaving it as a deposit; and this, if possible, she would do.

There were regular pawnbrokers in the town, by whom no questions would be made, who, of course, would lend her money in the ordinary way of their trade; but she believed that such people would advance to her but a very small portion of the value of her necklace; and then, if, as would be too probable, she could not redeem it, the necklace would be gone, and gone without a price! "Yes, it is my own, altogether my own--my very own." She had to explain all the circumstances to the jeweller, and at last, with a view of quelling any suspicion, she told the jeweler what was her name, and explained how poor were the circumstances of her house.

"But you must be the niece of Madame Zamenoy, in the Windberg-gasse," said the jeweller.

And then, when Nina with hesitation acknowledged that such was the case, the man asked her why she did not go to her rich aunt, instead of selling a trinket which must be so valuable.
"No!" said Nina, "I cannot do that.

If you will lend me something of its value, I shall be so much obliged to you." "But Madame Zamenoy would surely help you ?" "We would not take it from her.