own, but
which had, in truth, been an heirloom. If so, the jewel should, of
course, be surrendered,--or replaced by one of equal value. He was
making out some such solution, when Lizzie returned with the morocco
case in her hand. "It was the manner in which he gave it to me," said
Lizzie, as she opened the clasp, "which makes its value to me."

Lord Fawn knew nothing about jewels, but even he knew that if the
circle of stones which he saw, with a Maltese cross appended to it,
was constituted of real diamonds, the thing must be of great value.
And it occurred to him at once that such a necklace is not given by a
husband even to a bride in the manner described by Lizzie. A ring, or
brooch, or perhaps a bracelet, a lover or a loving lord may bring in
his pocket. But such an ornament as this on which Lord Fawn was now
looking, is given in another sort of way. He felt sure that it was
so, even though he was entirely ignorant of the value of the stones.
"Do you know what it is worth?" he asked.

Lizzie hesitated a moment, and then remembered that "Frederic," in
his present position in regard to herself, might be glad to assist
her in maintaining the possession of a substantial property. "I think
they say its value is about--ten thousand pounds," she replied.

"Ten--thousand--pounds!" Lord Fawn riveted his eyes upon them.

"That's what I am told--by a jeweller."

"By what jeweller?"

"A man had to come and see them,--about some repairs,--or something
of that kind. Poor Sir Florian wished it. And he said so."

"What was the man's name?"

"I forget his name," said Lizzie, who was not quite sure whether her
acquaintance with Mr. Benjamin would be considered respectable.

"Ten thousand pounds! You don't keep them in the house;--do you?"

"I have an iron case up-stairs for them;--ever so heavy."

"And did Sir Florian give you the iron case?"

Lizzie hesitated for a moment. "Yes," said she. "That is,--no. But he
ordered it to be made; and then it came,--after he was--dead."

"He knew their value, then?"

"Oh, dear, yes. Though he never named any sum. He told me, however,
that they were very--very valuable."

Lord Fawn did not immediately recognise the falseness of every word
that the woman said to him, because he was slow and could not think
and hear at the same time. But he was at once involved in a painful
maze of doubt and almost of dismay. An action for the recovery of
jewels brought against the lady whom he wa