I hesitated.
“I mean they seem to be such a heavy responsibility to the ladies who have them.”
“I suppose there were some ladies there with jewelry that made your eyes water.”
“They didn’t wear much; but I believe some of them had a great deal. One lady—she was the wife of a very rich merchant who wasn’t there—had dazzling diamonds, they said.”
“And what was the name of the fortunate lady?”
“Mrs. Cunningham.”
“What did Mrs. Cunningham think of your pendant?”
“She would not believe it was not real, and she scolded me for my carelessness; but I really did—”
“I suppose she is very careful of hers?” Mr. Rayner interrupted.
“Oh, yes—you don’t know how careful! She has one set, diamonds and cat’s-eyes—”