"We've many records of sales to Mrs. Pell," he related, "and, if you desire, I can give you a memorandum of them. Presumably, she had receipts in every case, but as I do not know the particular receipt you want, I can't offer you any data concerning it."
"What are the transactions?" asked Iris. "Jewels she bought?"
"Yes; and setting, and engraving. Mrs. Pell had a great deal of engraving done."
"What sort of engraving?"
"On silver or gold trinkets and ornaments."
"Oh, yes, I know. All her silver has not only initials, but names and dates, and sometimes quotations or lines of poetry."
"Yes, and she was most particular about that work. It was always done by our best engraver, and unless it just suited her we were treated to her finest sarcasm. Mrs. Pell was a wealthy and extravagant patron, but not affable or easy to please."
"I know that, but she was a remarkable woman and a strong character often has peculiar ways. I am heir to half her fortune, and that gives me a sense of obligation that will never be canceled until I have avenged my aunt's death."
Iris did not tell this man about the missing jewels, for it seemed of no use. But they discussed at length the jewels that he knew that Mrs. Pell had possessed, and Iris was amazed at the size and value of the amount.
"Really!" she exclaimed. "Do you know that my aunt had such an enormous fortune as that, in gems?"