'
'I implore you, sir, not to refuse me. I have no alternative But to
starve; for I am too old to work, and beg I cannot. Keep the jewel as
a pledge, and give me some relief.'
Old Simon, though covetous, was not devoid of feeling. He was touched
by the tears of the venerable lady; and besides, the more he looked at
the jewel, the more persuaded he became of its being really valuable.
After a few moments' consideration, he said: 'All the money I am worth
at this moment is 1500 francs; and though I have my suspicions that I
am making a foolish bargain, I had rather run any risk than leave you
in such distress. The next time I have business in Paris, I can
ascertain the value of the jewel, and if I have given you too little,
I will make it up to you.' And with, a glad and grateful heart the
abbess took home the 1500 francs, thankful at having obtained the
means of subsistence for at least a year.
Some months later, old Simon went up to Paris, and hastening to one of
the principal jewellers, shewed the ruby, and begged to know its
value.
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