The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-11-12

and finer than the one I had procured
with so much troubled If so, my labor
had all been in vain, for my patron
must have known Of this diamond and
would expect to see it surpassed.
1T was so upset by this possibility
that l resolved to see this jewel and
make comparisons for myself. I found
to the lady, who received me very gra-
ciously and was amiable enough until
the subject of diamonds was preached,
when she Immediately stiffened and left
me without an opportunity Of profferlng
my request. However, on every other
subject she was affable, and I found it
easy enough to pursue the acquaintance
till we were almost on friendly terms.
But never saw the diamond, nor would
surprise when one day drew out before
her eyes the one ha d procured for my
patron and made her look at it. Fine
she cried, Efne!' But I failed to de-
tect any envy in her manner, and so
knew that I had not achieved the object
set me by my wealthy customer. This
was a woful disappointment; yet, as
mond, it was among the possibilities
that he might be satisfied with the very
fine gem [ had obtained for him, and,
Influenced by this hope, [ sent him this
morning request to come and see it to-
morrow. Tonight I attended this ball,
and almost as soon as l entered the
drawing-room I hear that Mrs. Fair
brother is present and is wearing her
famous jewel. What could you expect
fort ito to see Il Il and and SO be ready with a
reply to my exacting customer when ne
should ask me tomorrow if the stone I
showed him had its peer in the city.
But she was not in the drawing-room
then, and later I became interested
elsewhere here he cast a look at me
$50 that half the evening passed be-
in the so-called alcove, where [ had seen
her set up her miniature court. What
passed between us in the short inter
view we held together you will find me
prepared to state, if necessary. 1t was
chiefly marked by the one short view |
succeeded in obtaining Of her marvel
GUS diamond, in spite Of the pains she
took to hide it from me by some nat
ural movement whenever she caught my
eyes leaving her face. But in that one
short look had seen enough. This was
gem for collector, not to be worn
save in royal presence. How had she
come by it, And could Mr.. Smythe ex
pect me to procure him stone like
that? In my confusion rose to depart
but the lady showed disposition, tc
keep me, and began chatting so viva
ciously that I scarcely noticed that she
was all the time engaged in drawing of
her gloves. Indeed, [ almost forgot the
jewel, possibly because her movements
hid it so completely, and only remem
bered it when, with a sudden turn from
the window where she had drawn me tt
watch the falling fakes, she pressed the
gloves into my hand with the coquettist
request that I would take care Of then
for her. I remember as / took then
striving to catch another glimpse Of thu
stone, whose brilliancy had dazzted me
but she had opened her fan between us
. A moment after, thinking I heard ap
preaching steps, ! quilted the ROOM Ihl
As he stopped, possibly for breath
: possibly to judge to what extent L wa
impressed by his account, the inspecto
7 seized the opportunity to ask if Mrs
Fairbrother had been standing any O
| this time with her back to him. T.
l which he answered, "Yes,' while the.
! were in the window.
1 "Long enough for her to have plucke'
off the jewel and thrust it into tn
gloves, if she had so wished9'
l ttQuite long enough-'
: but you did not see her do this''
II did not
: picions"
: "Entirely 500
: "And carried them awaya'
!, Unfortunately, yes.'
. "Without thinking that she nigh
4 want them the next minute7'
IT doubt if I was thinking seriousl,
: Of her at all. Ny thoughts were on m!
, own disappointment
s "Did you carry these gloves out i,
8 your hand?"
t "No, in my pocket"
IT see. And you met
Y "No one. The sound I heard mus
"And there was nobody on tn
'te sPpNo gentleman was standing a
their foot-Mr. Grey, the Englishman
q but, his face was turned another way
s and he looked as if he had been in tina
Q same position for several minutes.
d "Did this gentleman-Mr. Grey-se
!, you9''
n "I cannot say, but 7 doubt it: 81
n appeared to be in sort Of dream. Their
h were other people about, but nobod
l. with whom was acquainted
every good. Now for the :secon
= visit you acknowledge having paid thi
J. unfortunate lady"
l, The Inspector IS voice was hard.
|. chung a uCJle nOIo IlSuGIy W uucic, oil
q Mr.. Durand, after one agonizing glanc
my way, drew himself up as if quite col
scious that he had entered upon tn
y most serious part Of the struggle.
It 81 had forgotten the gloves. IN m
hurried departure; but, presently, l r
l. membered them, and grew very uneas
10 I did not like carrying this woman
: property about with me. [ had e.
ID gagged myself, an hour before, to Mi
Is Van Arsdale, and was very anxious
% rejoin her. The gloves. worried me, an
4 finally, after little aimless wanderln
= thru the various rooms. determined
IS 20 back and restore them to their oWne
The doors of the supper-room had lu
been flung open, and the end OF the ha
p near the alcove was comparative
y empty, save for a certain qulzzlc
Or friend of mind, whom saw sitting wit
ID his partner on the yellow divan: l q
1t not want to encounter him Just then, II
n he had already joked me about my
le miration for the lady with the damon
re and SO I conceived the idea of approac
y. ing her by means of second entran'
le to the alcove, unsupported by most
Id those present, but perfectly well Know
at to me, who have been frequent que
te in this house. A door, covered by TEL
IN porary draperies, connects, as you mi
m know, this alcove with q passageW1s
% communicating directly with the hall
= entrance and the upstairs dressln
;h rooms. To go up the main stairs al
sc come down by the side one, and SO Q
Oh thru small archway there is to tn
e. door was very simple matter Tor m
rs If no early departing or late arrlVll
c. 80. ,,,oro fbof ho11 II need fear hi