Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-04
CHAPTER XII.
"The Necklace"

Domnguez, and he preceded her into a
low. dark room, which was crammed
with ancient chests. frameless pictures
and decrepit furniture. ut is here" he
continued. as he unlocked a rusty safe.
and presently produced a fiat case of
shabby scarlet leather. This he brought
forward to the light, but the window was
narrow and dirty. "Tiens!" he muttered.
as he touched an electric switch and
threw back the lid of the morocco case.
OH calculated Hester. startled out of
her habitual self-possesion and reserve.
She was gazing at necklace composed
of four rows of great pearls, Of the same
pattern as her lost treasure; but as the
sun to a star was the difference between
them. These pearls were large. round
and f1awless-not the ordinary baroque
specimens. The clasps were set in bril-
liants. the pendant was magnificent. A
cross of emeralds in the center, sur
mounted by diamond crown, rested on
a crescent of the same dazzling stones.
The execution Of this, the chief glory of
the ornament, was marvellous; cross,
crown and crescent being blended to-
gether with matchless workmanship.
Hester. who had never seen or dreamt of
anything so splendid. turned to the old
Spaniard and said:
Surely this is common necklace
did it belong to royalty?"
"No-at least, not for centuries" He
hesitated for moment and then added:
II believe 1t is noted heirloom; only
desperate difficulties could have brought
il into the market; but since it is to be
sold offer the senorita the chance of her
life" The senorita continued to stare at
the necklace. fascinated and silent. 'Oh,
yes 1t is superb" he resumed. "A queen
Of
gave it"-he paused-"well,' throwing
back his head. lat least it is five hum
dred years old, and the price is only four
thousand pounds"
"Only four thousand pOundS?" repeated
the customer, mechanically.
Yes, and worth twelve thousand; but
the money was urgently wanted. for they
sold it at a small price. Oh" and he
groaned aloud, lit is a calamity that such
a jewel should be lost to Spain! Well,
senorita. what think you? VIII you see
it on my daughter?"
Hester nodded her head in eager as
sent and his wrnkled fingers deXterous-
ly fastened the clasp. The necklace looked
dark stuff gown. The stones blazed. the
emeralds seemed pools of liquid fire and
the shimmering sheen on the pearls was
perfect
1.-The pearls alone are worth the
money" declared the Spaniard. scrutiniz-
ing the ornament with the narrowed eyes
of a connOisseur; land now what does the
senorita say? I press her not to purchase
the sale of such a jewel is easy to me. "
Hester reflected. with her gaze steadily
fixed on the necklace. Never in her life
had she been confronted with such a ter
rible temptation. All sorts of strange
thwarted instincts clamored within her.
It's price was the price of property,
but she was not spending more than a
tenth of her income. What was she do
ing with her money? Was 1t to be
boarded and never enjoyed. like her petri-
fled early youth? The necklace would
but for whom? Well at least she could
leave it 20 some museum or charity.
"You will never dare to wear it."
stormed the puritan within her. the herit-
age of her father.
why not?" rejoined her new-born-over
self. Il shall wear it often-1 will not
lose this necklace as did the other" and
turning to the Spaniard she said in a
sharp. decided tone:
Yes l will take it, and give you a
check On Coutts for the money!
All the time she felt as if a stranger
was speaking. Could it be possible that
she. Hester Forde, who used to think
twelve shillings large sum to expend on
sands of pounds in breath? Dominguez
glanced significantly at his daughter. So
she was right when she had declared
that this Englishwoman was rich. APP
felix the more they will pay.
1.-The senorita is an honorable lady,
said Dominguez. with low bow, land I
beg her to grant me one small favor-One
PROMISE
Yes what is it," she asked, in a tone
of faint surprise.
THAT you will never wear the necklace
in Biarritz," he replied. as he surveyed
his customer with piercing. deep-set eyes.
After moments reflection she said:
This is strange request particularly
you say the sale is honest and above
board
Honest certainly-but not to be talked
of. The senoritas kind heart would never
give pain to a great family. There is no
house without it's Hush. hush!'"
Then this particular house is in Biar-
ritz"
mo. but the senorita will pardon me If
l say no more"
Very WELL then-I promise you 1 will
not wear the necklace here" After all.
the promise would cost her but little.
"And now please tell me how I shall give
you the cLeck?'
Once more DomingueZ glanced furtively
at his daughter. and she answered
promptly:
IF the senorita pleases. we will take
the price in French money-meanlng no
disrespect to the illustrious lady. A
check on England for large sum-well."
with a shrug, would be awkward for U.S.
You see. we are foreign, and we forward
the money. less commission TO Madrid"
But how shall 1 manage? inquired the
purchaser with a brilliant flush. II have
THE hotel people will make 1t simple
20 bn ito ho