No, no--it was that villain, last winter, who gave him the Gigerl--" "And Fischelowitz expects you to pay that!" cried Vjera, indignantly.

"It is impossible." "When I took the Gigerl away last night I promised to bring the fifty marks by to-night.

I gave my word, my word as a gentleman, Vjera, which I cannot break--my word, as a gentleman," he repeated with something of his old dignity.
"It is monstrous that Fischelowitz should have taken such a promise," said Vjera.
"That does not alter the obligation," answered the Count proudly.
"Besides, I gave it of my own accord.

I did not wait for him to ask it, after his wife accused me of being the means of his losing the money." "Oh, how could she be so heartless!" Vjera exclaimed.
"What was the use of telling you?
I did not mean to.

Good-night, Vjera dear--I must be quick." He tried to leave her, but she held him fast.
"I will get you the money at once," she said desperately and without the least hesitation.