Page:Marsh--The seen and the unseen.djvu/218

194 sprang out and entered the shop. A young man was its only occupant

"Tyrrel, I've brought you the diamond." The young man behind the counter gave a perceptible start. "I've changed my mind. You shall have it cheap."

"Cheap?"

"Dirt cheap. You shall have it for a thousand pounds."

"A thousand pounds?"

"Yes, a thousand pounds. But it must be money down. I leave England to-night. There are reasons which compel me, I don't know when I may return. Is it a bargain? Here is the stone."

Mr. Tyrrel took it with a hand which trembled. He gave just one glance at it His eyes gleamed. "Will a cheque do?"

"An open cheque."

Mr. Tyrrel wrote an open cheque for a thousand pounds. He handed it to Mr. Brooke. With a mere "Thanks!" that gentleman passed from the shop, sprang into the hansom, and was driven away. Mr. Tyrrel stared after him amazed.

"I wonder what's up now?"

He picked up his purchase from where he had placed it on the counter. His hand still trembled. He went from the shop into an inner room.

"Mary, I've bought the diamond."

A note of exultation was in his voice. A young woman was leaving the room, a pile of linen in her arms. At the sound of her husband's voice she turned.

"Mr. Brooke's diamond?"