ant has created many
such attachments.'

'I do not see that that affects the truth of the proposition,' said
the old lady drily, and continued her narrative. 'The Jew who held the
emerald had had many dealings with the Princess, and at last was offered
a bribe of such magnitude, that he determined to give up the pledge. He
committed the inconceivable imprudence of bringing the emerald with him
to X----, and waited on Magny, who was provided by the Princess with
money to redeem the pledge, and was actually ready to pay it.'

'Their interview took place in Magny's own apartments, when his valet
overheard every word of their conversation. The young man, who was
always utterly careless of money when it was in his possession, was
so easy in offering it, that Lowe rose in his demands, and had the
conscience to ask double the sum for which he had previously stipulated.

'At this the Chevalier lost all patience, fell on the wretch and was for
killing him; when the opportune valet rushed in and saved him. The man
had heard every word of the conversation between the disputants, and
the Jew ran flying with terror into his arms; and Magny, a quick and
passionate, but not a violent man, bade the servant lead the villain
downstairs, and thought no more of him.

'Perhaps he was not sorry to be rid of him, and to have in his
possession a large sum of money, four thousand ducats, with which he
could tempt fortune once more; as you know he did at your table that
night.'

'Your ladyship went halves, madam,' said I; 'and you know how little I
was the better for my winnings.'

'The man conducted the trembling Israelite out of the palace, and no
sooner had seen him lodged at the house of one of his brethren, where
he was accustomed to put up, than he went away to the office of his
Excellency the Minister of Police, and narrated every word of the
conversation which had taken place between the Jew and his master.

'Geldern expressed the greatest satisfaction at his spy's prudence and
fidelity. He gave him a purse of twenty ducats, and promised to provide
for him handsomely: as great men do sometimes promise to reward their
instruments; but you, Monsieur de Balibari, know how seldom those
promises are kept. "Now, go and find out," said Monsieur de Geldern,
"at what time the Israelite proposes to return home again, or whether he
will repent and take the money." The man went on this errand. Meanwhile,
to make matters sure, Geldern arrange