It was magnificent, as Sabina had said, the great glittering thing, lying all alone in the depths of the earth, an enormous golden demigod in his tomb.
"You are wonderful!" exclaimed Sabina, suddenly turning her face to
Malipieri.
"Why?"
"To have found it," she explained.
"I wish I had found something more practical," he answered. "In my opinion this thing belongs to you, and I suppose it represents a small fortune. But the only way for you to get even a share of it will be by bringing a suit against Volterra. Half a dozen rubies like the one in the ring would have been enough for you, and you could have taken them home with you in your pocket."
"I am afraid I have none!" Sabina laughed.
"This one will be safe in mine," Malipieri answered.
"You are not going to take it?" cried Sabina, a little frightened.
"Yes. I am going to take it for you. I daresay it is worth a good deal of money."
"But—is it yours?"