But the smallest stones at the back, where the clasp came, were as large as my little finger nail, and the largest were almost the size of a filbert.

All were of perfect colour and fire, extraordinarily deep and faultlessly shaped, as well as flawless.
Besides, the necklace had a history which would have made it interesting even if it hadn't been intrinsically of half its value.
With the first thrill of pleasure I had felt since I knew that the treaty had disappeared I lifted the beautiful diamonds from the box, and slipped them into a small embroidered bag of pink and silver brocade which lay on the table.

It was a foolish but pretty little bag, which a friend had made and sent to me at the theatre a few nights ago, and was intended to carry a purse and handkerchief.

But I had never used it yet.
Now it seemed a convenient receptacle for the necklace, and I suddenly planned out my way of giving it to Raoul.
At first, earlier in the evening, I had meant to put the diamonds in his hands and say, "See what I have for you!" But now I had changed my mind, because he must be induced to go away as quickly as possible--quite, quite away from the theatre, so that there would be no danger of his seeing Count Godensky at the stage door.

I was not sorry that Raoul was jealous, because, as he said, his jealousy was a compliment to me; and it is possible only for a cold man never to be jealous of a woman in my profession, who lives in the eyes of the world.