It proved to be a bracelet, that legend said had been worn by Cleopatra, though Mr. Forbes frankly acknowledged he didn't believe this.
"Let me take it by the light," said Alicia, "it's getting dusk in here."
She took the bracelet to the open window, and admired the beauty of its wrought gold.
"Here, take it, Uncle Jeff," she said; "I declare I'm almost afraid to handle these valuable things for fear I should suddenly become a klep-what-do-you-call-it?"
"Kleptomaniac?" said her uncle, laughing, "I'm not afraid, or I shouldn't have brought you girls up here. I don't mind admitting I have one friend, a wise old octogenarian, rich as Croesus, whom I wouldn't trust up here alone! He'd steal a gem as quickly as a highway robber would!"
"How awful!" said Bernice. "Just because of his craze for antiques?"
"Yes. You know some people are carried quite out of themselves by a pet hobby. Well, girls, it is getting dusk. Let's go downstairs, and have a little chat over what you've seen. I'd like to see how much you remember of what I've told you."
"Shall I shut the window, Uncle Jeff?" asked Bernice.
"No, leave it open. A little air will do the room good. I'll see to it later."
The girls left the room, Mr. Forbes followed, and locking the door, pocketed the key, and they all went downstairs.