"She preferred the pearls, but she changed them at my request."
"You were not in the habit of keeping the jewels at your banker's?"
"No; they were kept in a safe in my wife's room."
"Rather risky," said Quarles. "To an outsider it seems foolish to keep such jewels constantly in the house, especially when they are so seldom worn. Have you ever contemplated selling the diamonds?"
"Never."
"Has Lady Leconbridge at any time suggested that you should?"
"Certainly not!"
"You are prepared to swear that your wife wore this necklace at the Duchess of Exmoor's reception?" said Quarles, holding up the jewels.
"I am."
"It only shows how risky it is to keep such valuables in the house. These stones are not diamonds, but paste."