“A necklace? What sort?”
“He can’t be aware of its value,” said Annie, “which is very surprising, for these Swiss are so sharp; but I can assure you I was taught to recognise the beauty of good pearls, and there are some lovely ones in that necklace. Now nothing in all the world would be so becoming to May as real, good pearls; and this necklace—it belonged to an old French marquise, who was obliged to sell it, poor dear! to get ready cash. Zick paid—oh, he would not tell me what; but he is offering it for a mere bagatelle.”
“My dear Miss Brooke—a bagatelle!”
“Yes; only forty pounds.”
“Nonsense!” said Lady Lushington. “Forty pounds! All the contents of his shop are not worth that sum.”
“I dare say you are right,” said Annie, by no means abashed; “with the exception of the necklace. But now, you are a judge of jewels, aren’t you?”
“Well, I rather flatter myself that I am.”
“I saw two or three ladies from this hotel looking at the necklace yesterday. I was dying to tell you, but I had not an opportunity. I am so awfully afraid it may be snapped up. Do, do come at once and look at it!”
“If they are really fine pearls,” said Lady Lushington—“and the old French noblesse were noted for the beauty of some of their gems—it would be exceedingly cheap—exceedingly cheap at forty pounds. But then, of course, the whole thing is a hoax.”
“Oh, do, do come and see! It would be such a beautiful present for May.”