"Very well. Let us appoint a day next week and overhaul the entire collection. I intend to keep the big ones to form the center ornaments of a tiara, a necklace, and gewgaws of that sort."
"I am glad to hear it."
"My dear fellow, I suppose there will be a Mrs. Anson some day, but I have not found her yet."
"'Who'er she be,
That not impossible she,
That shall command my heart and me.'"
And a ripple of laughter chased away the last shadows from his face.
CHAPTER XIV.
An Adventure.
Mr. Abingdon took his departure at an early hour; his excellent wife was indisposed, and her age rendered him anxious.
Philip wrote a curt letter to Sharpe & Smith. He had given thought to their statements, he said, and wished to hold no further communication with either Sir Philip Morland or his representatives.