During this conversation, M. Baudoin had displayed on a table several superb necklaces of rubies and diamonds.
"What a fine water, and how exquisitely those stones are cut!" said Lord Douglas.
"Alas, sir!" said the jeweller, "I employed in this work one of the most skilful lapidaries in Paris, named Morel; but, unfortunately, he has become insane, and I shall never find such another workman. My matcher of stones says that, in all probability, it was his wretched condition that deprived the man of his senses, poor fellow!"
"Wretched condition! What! do you trust diamonds to people in distress?"
"Certainly, sir; and there is no instance of a lapidary having ever pilfered anything, however miserable and destitute his condition."
"How much for this necklace?" inquired M. d'Harville.
"M. le Marquis will observe that the stones are of a splendid water and cut, and nearly all of a size."
"These oratorical prefaces threaten your purse," said M. de Saint-Remy, with a laugh. "Now, my dear D'Harville, look out for a high price."
"Come, M. Baudoin, have a conscience, and ask the price you mean to take!" said M. d'Harville.
"I will not haggle with your lordship. The lowest price is forty-two thousand francs (11,680l.)."