Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1893-09-22
THE PEARL NECKLACE.

He often thought of retiring, but
rest was not to his mind; he liked the
hustle and noise of the shop-was a
home with his customers, and being q
bit of miser, was fond OF adding tC
the balance at his bankers
His wife did not in the least care
about being a lady. They had nc
children, and so, having only them
selves to think about and please, they
lived in Crawford street, depised sub
urban villas, and refused to go in fol
spurious gentility.
One day handsome carriage drew
up at the door OF Mr.. James Parker
Hutchinson's shop, and foreign gen
tleman alighted and entered.
1t being winter, he wore a thick
frock- coat, trimmed with Astrachau
fur; his figure was erect, his bearing
martial; he wore a small, neatly
trimmed, peaked beard; his eyes were
black, and his complexion swarthy.
What can l have the honor oi
showing you ?" said the jeweler, in a
futter of expectation.
Il want to look at some fine pearls, y
replied the stranger with slight for
eign accent, but in very good English.
Pearls ! certainly
Il am the agent of the Queen OF
Spain, there is my card"
The Duke S'Alvarez," circulated
the jeweler, with low bow, as his
eye fell on the card.
THE same
And your excellency is desirous OF
making some purchase OH her Males.
ty's account, | presume ?'
You are right" said the duke.
II have a very fine stock Of pearls
how many would your excellency re-
quire ?"
Permit me to see them first. !
fear the size may not be equal to that
l AIN commissioned to look for"
Parker unfastened a safe, and took
from it box containing some pearls
OF unusual size and beauty.
The Duke S'Alvarez produced a
pearl from his pocket which was a
marvel of perfection. Handing this
to the jeweler, he said, This is sin
gle pearl which was given me by my
royal mistress as a sample"
"Yes, your excellency, it is very
fine" said Parker, examining it
through a glass.
What would you estimate its value
att" =.
Upwards of a hundred pounds. 1t
would be well worth that sum in the
trade
"Ah !' said the duke, "you have
estimated it well. Now want a
necklace made of pearls resembling
this. 1t must have ten rows, and in
each row must be twenty-five pearls.
Estimating each pearl at one hun
dred pounds, the first cost would
amount to twenty-five thousand
pounds. Then | could not make q
fair profit unless l charge an addi
tional five thousand. Consequently
were l to execute your order, my
charge would be thirty thousand
pounds"
"a very moderate charge, too, " SAID
the Duke S'Alvarez, still smiling
Twill you make up your mind to ex
ecute this order now, or shall | give
you time to think Of it, as you are moi
in a very large way OF business" ex
claimed the duke.
II have money enough for that and
to spare" answered James Parker
Hutchinson, with a self-satisied air
II presume l may keep your speci
men pearl as pattern.
pray do so. 1t will be more salts
factory to both parties to have a writ
ten agreement, think
For my part reply in the affirma
tive" said the jeweler.
Call at my house, if convenient
this evening, and bring your agree
ment with you. l live at 10 Upper
Brook street, Grosvenor Square
II will be there, your excellency,
replied the jeweler.
The duke rose, buttoned up his As
trachan lambs wool trimmed coat
drew on his gloves and departed, fol
lowed to his carriage by the obse
quious jeweler, who could not bow
sufficiently or low enough.
1t was now past four, and in winter
it grows dark soon after that hour
Thinking he had done business enough
for that day, the jeweler ordered the
shutters to be put up, and, going into
the parlor, proceeded to communicate
the good news to his wife.
The good and worthy woman lis
tened attentively, but, gravely disap
pointed at her want Of enthusiasm
the jeweler exclaimed:
Wife, you do not appreciate ny
news at its real value"
Are you sure Of your customer 2
she asked.
"In what way?"
Us he what he represents himself :!
''Of course he is.
"Ah, that is your impetuous way
said Mrs. Parker Hutchinson.
my dear p exclaimed the leWelel
with an air of dignified Importance
.sin domestic matters you are un
riyalled, but you must permit me tC
be the best person to manage my
business
IF you lose all your fortune do mo-