The Washington herald., 1914-04-21
The Jewels.
By JOHN d. BARRY.


A rich man bad great collection of jewels. They
his pride. At every opportunity he used them
for display. Toward those who were Indifferent he
admiration he would glow. No one could pay his
jewels an extravagant compliment The appreciation
that he himself felt no one else could express.
The mans wife, also, had collection of jewels
But TO her they not objects of pride. In COM
pairing them with her husbands collection, she felt
ashamed The man, too, believed they were of little
value His attitude further cheapened them in the
eyes of the wife. His collection seemed to her the
most wonderful in the world the most precious, the
most rare. ..
One day the man heard that connoisseur in
Jewels had come to town. He invited the connois-
seur to his house. When the jewels, large and
shining and many-hued, were opened on the table,
the connoisseur, standing between husband and wife
looked at them curiously taking them out by one
il his hands. On his face appeared cynical smile.
well, what do you Think the husband asked with
iinpatience. Don't you agree with me that have
an exceptional collection
"You have indeed, an exceptional collection" the
man replied at makes fine display. But not one
of the jewels is real"
The man could hardly restrain his anger. But
he was determined to show that he was a gentle
man. Besides, he felt sure of being able TO con-
vince the skeptic. He started to explain how much
these jewels had cost.
The connoisseur raised his hand in protest. 1T is
not necessary. l know how dearly buyers pay for
such counterfeits And you are not the only one
that has paid. Others have paid even more dear"
The man was almost beside himself What do
you mean?" he cried.
But the connosseur had turned to the mans wife,
bo bo,- Fr;1L he
Jewels through tears.
"You have jewels, too, have you not?"
"Oh, no." The wife shrank away. None that
are worth showing"
The husband broke into scornful laugh. IF you
have poor opinion of my jewels, what would you
think of hers?"
The connoisseur kept looking at the wife. Won't
you let me see your collection" he asked.
The husband was scowlng. Since he insists, bring
them" He still believed that he could put down this
fellow
Obediently the wife disappeared into the next
room. Soon she returned bearing in her hand a
small box. She removed the cover. Beside the other
the jewels seemed very pale and small But
when they stood on the table the light from above,
striking on their surface burst into multitude of
brilliant colors.
The connoisseur's breath caught.
Again the husband laughed, this time with triumph
Those things are so common and cheap, won't let
my wife wear them in public"
The connoisseur was paying no heed. His eyes
we're fixed on the Jewels. After long time he
raised his head and looked at the wife with wonder
and awe. Then he turned slowly % the husband. 81
think l understand now he said if speaking to
himself. They have always been beautiful those
Jewels" he went on, addressing the wife. But they
have grown more beautiful during the past few years
How long have you been married." he abruptly de-
handed
The wife looked timidly at her husband, as if
questioning whether she ought to speak. He spoke
for her. "Ten years"
The connoisseurs gaze returned to the wife. They
ire in your possession"
The husband was really amused now. The fellow
must be an imposter. How much are they WORTH"
asked carelessy nodding in the direction of the
cwek.
How much?" the connoisseur repeated
"Yes, how much are they worth in the market?
How much money!"
The connoisseur smiled They would bring no
money in the market"
The husband broke into his roar "You say those
feminine baubles beautiful and wonderful and
precious. And yet they not worth anything in
he market. What's the reason:"
The reason is very simple" said the connoisseur.
There things in the world that are price
ess."