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"Diamond!" exclaimed La Carconte, rising and descending to the chamber with a tolerably firm step; "what diamond are you talking about?" "Why, did you not hear all we said?" inquired Caderousse. "It is a beautiful diamond left by poor Edmond Dantes, to be sold, and the money divided between his father, Mercedes, his betrothed bride, Fernand, Danglars, and myself.
'Well, said the jeweller, as he placed himself at table, 'all I can say is, so much the worse for those who are abroad. 'Yes, chimed in La Carconte, 'they will have a wretched night of it. "The jeweller began eating his supper, and the woman, who was ordinarily so querulous and indifferent to all who approached her, was suddenly transformed into the most smiling and attentive hostess.
Then, seeing that the room was, as usual, empty, and only guarded by the dog, he called to his wife, 'Hello, Carconte, said he, 'the worthy priest has not deceived us; the diamond is real. An exclamation of joy was heard, and the staircase creaked beneath a feeble step. 'What do you say? asked his wife, pale as death.
The two men turned quickly, and saw the sickly countenance of La Carconte peering between the baluster rails; attracted by the sound of voices, she had feebly dragged herself down the stairs, and, seated on the lower step, head on knees, she had listened to the foregoing conversation. "Mind your own business, wife," replied Caderousse sharply.
'And then there are robbers, said La Carconte. 'The road is never very safe during fair time. 'Oh, as to the robbers, said Joannes, 'here is something for them, and he drew from his pocket a pair of small pistols, loaded to the muzzle. 'Here, said he, 'are dogs who bark and bite at the same time, they are for the two first who shall have a longing for your diamond, Friend Caderousse.
"As the jeweller returned to the apartment, he cast around him a scrutinizing glance but there was nothing to excite suspicion, if it did not exist, or to confirm it, if it were already awakened. Caderousse's hands still grasped the gold and bank-notes, and La Carconte called up her sweetest smiles while welcoming the reappearance of their guest.
"Hush, La Carconte. It is God's pleasure that things should be so."
'Close the door, said La Carconte; 'I do not like open doors when it thunders. 'Particularly when there is money in the house, eh? answered Caderousse, double-locking the door. "He came into the room, went to the cupboard, took out the bag and pocket-book, and both began, for the third time, to count their gold and bank-notes.
"Speak out then, say what it was!" "Gaspard!" cried La Carconte, "do as you will; you are master but if you take my advice you'll hold your tongue." "Well, wife," replied Caderousse, "I don't know but what you're right!" "So you will say nothing?" asked the abbe. "Why, what good would it do?" asked Caderousse.
"Well," replied La Carconte, "do as you like. For my part, I wash my hands of the affair." So saying, she once more climbed the staircase leading to her chamber, her body convulsed with chills, and her teeth rattling in her head, in spite of the intense heat of the weather.
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