Page:Marsh--The seen and the unseen.djvu/222

198 that drawing-room be Her Majesty's. But I'll tell you what I'll do, as I knew your father,I'll give you a cheque for fifteen hundred down upon the nail."

Again Mr. Tyrrel moistened his lips.

"I'll accept it."

A cheque changed hands almost as expeditiously as the one for a smaller amount had changed hands only a few minutes before. Mr. Hart departed with his purchase.

"I think I've scored that trick. If this diamond isn't worth fifteen hundred pounds and a bit more, why, then I'm wrong."

Mr. Hart then and there took a cab to the Bond Street headquarters of those famous jewellers, Messrs. Ruby and Golden. He was shown into the senior partner's private room.

"I want you to set this stone for me."

Mr. Ruby took very gingerly between his finger and his thumb the piece of crystal which Mr. Hart was holding out to him on the palm of his outstretched hand.

"A diamond, I see, and uncut. Rather a fine specimen." Mr. Ruby's eyes glistened. "May I ask in confidence from whom you obtained it?"

"From a friend in the trade."

Mr. Hart kept his eyes fixed upon the jeweller's face. His tone was dry.

"You don't happen to know, I suppose, if he has any more like this to dispose of?"

"Can't say that I do. What's it worth?"

"You see, Mr. Hart, the value of a diamond depends upon so many things. To us it depends in