The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1883-07-18
A WHITE HEART DIAMOND.

Mr.. Peter Pinto was perhaps one
OF the most enthusiastic Of modern
collectors.
Far be it from us to convey the i'm
preston that he went around will. a
pencil and a pocketbo0k bnlging full
of papers in hehalf of gas companies
and cheap coal associations. On the
contrary, he despised trade and all its
plebeian concomitants. He kept a
genealogical tree. and prided himself
on being distantly related to some one
or other who had come over in the
Mayliower, and having cousin who
had once known Longfellow, the poet.
He read, studied high art and devoted
himself to the dream-world of the ideal.
His floors were oarpeted with tiger
skins, dimly splendid draperies hung
on his walls and shut out what little
sunshine filtered through the medieval
glass of his stained windows. He de-
lighted in molly folios, rare editions,
grinning Chinese idols and masses of
charmingly ugly Eastern lacquer
work.
But the taste which had the strong
est possession of his soul, and which
dragged most persistently at his purse
strings, was one for precious stones.
"If it hadn't been for that, should
have been a rich man long ago." sighed
Mr.. Pinto. "Of course l can't indulge
in it, as should like-no man could,
unless he had the income of duke.
But can aspire--I can aspire p
And as Mr.. Peter Pinto had in
herited snug little fortune from his
father, and fallen heir to the united
savings of several maiden aunts, he
had been enabled to prosecute his
caprice in no contemplate degree lie
owned an Eastern opal, black pearl,
pair Of unapproachably-tinted
topazes, several peculiarly-shaped tur-
quoises and an agate with human
face distinctly massed in its outlines.
He kept his treasures locked in velvet
lined cases within the iron jaws of
tremendous fireproof safe, and prowled
around the jewelry stores, pawnshops
and secondhand repositories with a
perseverance worthy of Bruce's spider.
And when he became meditatiye and
iH"i'-ed to be confidential he would
a think if once 1 could gain pos
ssion of this white heart diamond /
Mould be quite-quite happy 70
But the white heart diamond had to
4 all appearance been withdrawn from
circulation. 1t was known only by
rumor. 1t had retired somewhere into
conventual seclusion, and with un-
paralleled modesty declined to re-
appear.
That there had once been q white
heart diamond was proved by the con-
versation of grizzle-headed old lapi-
daries, who had grown crooked by long
sitting over magnifying glasses, and
the tales of retired jewelers. who had
made their fortunes long ago.
From all accounts it was a stone of
medium size, but rare color and fire
a stone which was yeritable General
George Washington among diamonds
Ia stone whose renOwn had even
reached foreign parts and achieved the
dignity of an especial article in the
LdpiddTjeS' Journal of Vienna.
And to Mr.. Peter Pinto the white
heart diamond represented the roc's
egg of Aladdin's palace!
Until one day an old workman in
precious stones beckoned him into the
den where he was cutting sapphires
with a whirling little wheel, which
sung like mechanical bumblebee at
its work.
"Ive heerd of it," said he.
COZ" gasped Mr.. Pinto.
"Of the white heart diamond" said
the workman.
"Nop' shouted the collector, breath
lessly.
"As true as you i've nodded the