Rather abruptly, but apparently starting from some suggestion in the book, she said to him:
“By the bye, has Mr. Arnold ever said anything to you about the family jewels?”
“No,” said Hugh. “Are there many?”
“Yes, a great many. Mr. Arnold is very proud of them, as well as of the portraits; so he treats them in the same way—keeps them locked up. Indeed he seldom allows them to see daylight, except it be as a mark of especial favour to some one.”
“I should like much to see them. I have always been curious about stones. They are wonderful, mysterious things to me.”
Euphra gave him a very peculiar, searching glance, as he spoke.
“Shall I,” he continued, “give him a hint that I should like to see them?”
“By no means,” answered Euphra, emphatically, “except he should refer to them himself. He is very jealous of his possessions—his family possessions, I mean. Poor old man! he has not much else to plume himself upon; has he?”
“He is kind to you, Euphra.”
She looked at him as if she did not understand him.