“I've got bad news, mother,” he said.
“What is it? Tell me quick!” she said, nervously.
“The ring has been stolen from me.”
“How did it happen, Paul?”
“First, I must tell you how much the ring is worth. I went up to Tiffany's, and showed the ring to Mr. Tiffany himself. He told me that he would give me two hundred and fifty dollars for it, if I would satisfy him that I had a right to sell it.”
“Two hundred and fifty dollars!” repeated Mrs. Hoffman, in amazement.
“Yes, the diamond is very large and pure.”
“Two hundred and fifty dollars would be a great help to us.”
“Yes, mother, that is what makes me feel so bad about being swindled out of it.”
“Tell me how it happened. Is there no chance of recovering it?”