“Then it wants but five minutes of the time,” said Cashel, looking at his watch.
“But the plate, sir? Such an opportunity may never occur again,” broke in Leonard, fearful of seeing his customer depart unprofitably.
“Oh, to be sure. Let us see it,” said Cashel, as he handed Mrs. Kennyfeck upstairs.
An exclamation of surprise and delight burst from the party at the magnificent display which greeted them on entering the room. How splendid—what taste—how very beautiful—so elegant—so massive—so chaste! and fifty other encomiastic phrases.
“Very fine, indeed, ma'am,” chimed in Leonard; “cost fifteen and seven-pence the ounce throughout, and now to be sold for thirteen shillings.”
“What is the price?” said Cashel, in a low whisper.
“There are, if I remember right, sir, but I 'll ascertain in a moment, eight thousand ounces.”
“I want to know the sum in one word,” rejoined Cashel, hastily.
“It will be something like three thousand seven hundred and—”
“Well, say three thousand seven hundred, it is mine.”