The night was over, and the next day, immediately after breakfast, Rowton and Nancy, accompanied by Mrs. Ferguson, the housekeeper, went to the butler’s pantry, where a show of magnificent plate was arranged for them to view.
“This is not all by any means,” said Rowton, running his eyes over the articles as he spoke. “Where are the gold-plated things? I don’t see them.”
“In this chest, sir,” said Mrs. Ferguson.
“Open it, pray. I want Mrs. Rowton thoroughly to understand in what her property consists.”
The chest in question, a very heavy one, which was standing on the floor, was opened by a curious mechanism of keys which completely puzzled Nance. Its contents made a dazzling show; gold-plated spoons of every size and shape, forks, large and small, dessert knives and forks; in short, a complete assortment for the requirements of a good-sized party stood revealed before her.
“See,” said Rowton, taking up one, “these spoons have all got the Rowton crest on them, and just where the crest ends, a ruby of great value has been introduced. They are unique of their kind and are undoubtedly almost priceless.”
“Heaven preserve us, sir,” said Mrs. Ferguson; “I often tremble in my shoes when I think of the plate that is in this house. Why, it would tempt any burglar in the land. I say to Vickers, ‘Vickers, never show this chest to any of the young footmen—you never can tell what friends they have outside.’ That was why I did not open it, sir, until your good lady and you were in the room.”
“Quite right, quite right,” said Rowton; “it would, as you say, never do to let this kind of thing get abroad. I have often half an idea to transfer this chest to the bank at Pitstow; but on second thoughts, what is the use of having pretty and valuable things if we do not use them? Now then, Mrs. Ferguson, open the secret spring of the safe and bring out the jewel case.”
“If you have no objection, sir, I’ll first of all lock the pantry door and draw down the blind.”
“As you please, my good soul; but you don’t suppose that burglars are about at this hour?”