The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1891-01-04
LADY RORYMORE'S DIAMONDS
a Diverting Comedy of High Life IN
England.


finest in England. Every one thinks highly of
them excepting her ladyship herself and her
husband.
About five years ago Lord Rorymore, after
heavy losses on the turf, thought to recoup
himself by some stiff play at baccarat. Having
lost for twenty nights in succession, he one
morning found himself in the unpleasant posi-
ton of not knowing where to look for 5000
guineas which had been won of him overnight,
and which he had to pay before sunset. Under
these perplexing circumstances it occurred to
my lord that if he could raise some money for
few weeks on part of his wife's diamonds
there would be no harm done. Quarter day
was but fortnight distant, and rents would be
coming in; so that the jewels could be pledged
and redeemed without Lady Rorymore knowing
anything about it. Her ladyship had just
started on a months visit to her parents in
Scotland, and the damonds-that is, the most
valuable among thcm-were lodged in safe at
the bank. Lord Rorymore had scarcely con-
ceived his project than he put it into execution
by driving to his bankers and removing the
Jewels; then he hied him to the pawnbroker's
Mr.. Tribal, the broker in question, was one
of the wealthest members of the trade, but in
so far as Lord Rorymore was concerned he was
something else besides q money lender-he was
an unsupported friend. Twenty years previ-
ously the late Lord Rorymore had rendered Mr..
Tribal service which the latter had never for
gotten and could never forget, so inestimable
was it, He had saved young Tribal from
criminal prosecution, which NIGH have resulted
in his being transported for lifc Tribal, Jr.,
had been in those days wild and bad young
dog, who almost broke his parents hearts
through his evil courses; but he was an only
child, and they loved him so that when he COM
mitted the atrocious offense which put him in
the grip of the police there was nothing they
would not have done to save him. 1t so hap
pened that old Lord Rorymore was in position
to rescue the lad through the interests he pos
sessed with the parties who were prosecutors
in the case so Mr.. Tribal sought out the peer,
and fairly threw himself on his knees, beseech-
ing his assistance. Not only did Lord Rory
more accede to this prayer, but, after he had
stopped the prosecution so promptly that no
scandal transpired, he spoke personally to
young Tribal and warned him with paternal
kindness to take lesson from the peril which
lie had just escaped. Old Lord Rorymore was
very different person from his son-upright
and just, but very genial; and the impressive
words which he spoke to young Tribal softened
the heart of that cub, who became thenceforth
very decent member of society. OF all these
facts young Lord Rorymore was quite ignorant
and he brought his jewels to Mr.. Tribal with
out having any idea of the emotion which his
visit was going to cause.
He entered the establishment through the
shop door, and handed his card to one of the
clerks. In a minute he was requested to step
into parlor, and there he found sedate old
gentleman, who made him bow and ushered
him to a seat near the fire.
moments awkwardness followed, for Lord
Rorymore, who had brought the jewel cases in
parcel under his arm, felt ashamed as he un-
tied the string; but Mr.. Tribal, who looked at
him, felt more ashamed still. When the Jewels
lay exposed, and Lord Rorymore stated his
errand, the pawnbroker's face reddened, and he
hung his head, evidently troubled by the story
of extravaganza and impending ruin which he
guessed He had placed the Rorymores so high
in his esteem-he had, as it were, built them a
shrine in his heart; and here was the heir of this
great house already dilapidating its fortunes
Lord Rorymore, noticing the confusion on Mr..
Tribal's face, interpreted it as a symptom of
unwillingness to lend; but he was soon unde-
ceived.
"Five thousand guineas, my lord" said the
pawnbroker, quietly. Every we'll, will sign
you a check"
''You had better examine the stones, though, -
suggested the peer. "Ihey are said to be worth
$1,000 guineas, but people sometimes make
mistakes about those thingsp
stThe Rorymore diamonds are we'll known, u
answered Mr.. Tribal, as he sat down to his
writing table; ''but have no wish to keep these
Jewels in pledge If your lordship requires
money | shall be happy to lend it, Your word
is enough for me.'
swell, but this is really very obliging," re,
marked Lord Rorymore, naturally astonished
as the pawnbroker handed him the check 81
shall only want the money for few days, but
you must allow me to give you a bill"
''Pay me at your convenience" said the
pawnbroler, ciVilly. There was a slight pause
and then he added: 'Lord Rorymore, youl
father once rendered me a service which my
whole fortune would not repay. | am only toe
glad to be able to oblige his SON."
"Oh, indeed-ah We ought to count as ole
friends then," said Lord Rorymore, with q
forced smile, as he fingered the draft. 81 had
never heard that"
''Your father did not tell you, then, how he
befriended me?'
''No, he said nothing about it,"
''That was just like himp' exclaimed Mr.
Tribal, with feeling. "Your father was GOOD
and noble man, my lord" This was said as the
pawnbroker was escorting his customer to the
door.
"Deuced queer money-lender that solilo
auized Lord ROrVmOre StanDino into his broup