"I see that you two are just
the same good old souls as ever, and that you have missed your little
Zerbine."
Several servants now came in, carrying trunks, boxes, portmanteaus,
packages, no end of baggage, which Zerbine counted over and found
correct; and when they had gone she opened two or three of the larger
chests with the keys she had on a small silver ring. They were filled
with all sorts of handsome things--silks and velvets, laces and
jewels--and among the rest a long purse, crammed as full as it could
hold of gold pieces, which Zerbine poured out in a heap on the table;
seeming to take a childish delight in looking at and playing with her
golden treasure, while laughing and chattering merrily all the time.
"Serafina would burst with rage and envy if she should see all this
money," said she gaily, "so we will keep it out of her sight. I only
show it to you to prove that I didn't need to return to my profession,
but was actuated by a pure love of my art. As to you, my good old
friends, if your finances happen to be not just as you could wish, put
your paws into this and help yourselves; take just as much as ever they
will hold."
The two actors thanked her heartily for her generous offer, but assured
her that they were very well off, and in need of no assistance.
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