It is well known that you possess the most beautiful jewels in Paris.

You are not changeable in your tastes; when you make a purchase it is of the very best; and what you purchase you do not part with." "What could these emeralds be sold for, then ?" "A hundred and thirty thousand francs." The marquise wrote down upon her tablets the amount which the jeweler mentioned.

"The ruby necklace ?" she said.
"Are they balas-rubies, madame ?" "Here they are." "They are beautiful--magnificent.

I did not know your ladyship had these stones." "What is their value ?" "Two hundred thousand francs.

The center one is alone worth a hundred thousand." "I thought so," said the marquise.