One other thing that I had heard Lorina say was: "Then I'll keep the coal here, until I hear from you again."
"Coal" or "white coal" is their slang for diamonds, so I suppose she meant the necklace.
I returned down-stairs full of speculations regarding this wonderful and mysterious "boss." What kind of man must he be, thus to bring the imperious Lorina who commands us like slaves, to her knees?
Frank was not present at the party in the dining-room. He is not a regular member of the gang. Besides Foxy, Jumbo, Jim the chauffeur and myself, there were several of the younger fellows, but not Blondy, I am glad to say, for I should not like to see that nice boy drinking. Lorina appeared only once or twice and then but for a moment. The lady's gaiety was forced. However, she was liberal in her hospitality. Champagne flowed like water.
Jumbo got very drunk and even Foxy drank enough to make him indiscreet. It was then that interesting ancient history was retold. It would astonish you to see Foxy at such moments. There is nothing about him of the dull, prosy bore that he ordinarily affects.
Jumbo was toasting him with maudlin praise. "Drink to Foxy, fellows!" he cried. "There's the lad that brings home the bacon! The slickest, smoothest article of them all!"
Foxy took it as no more than his due.
"Say, Foxy," asked another admirer, "what was the hardest trick you ever turned?"
Naturally I have to let others ask these questions. Curiosity on my part would be prejudicial to my health. I am on the qui vive for the replies, though.
"Oh, six months ago, when I lifted an actress' pearls," drawled Foxy.