CHAPTER XIII.
_A Lover's Trick_
ONE day, looking in at his jeweller's, to see some models of a shieldand vases which were executing for him in gold, the young Duke met LadyAphrodite and the Fitz-pompeys. Lady Aphrodite was speaking to thejeweller about her diamonds, which were to be reset for her approachingfete. The Duke took the ladies upstairs to look at the models, and whilethey were intent upon them and other curiosities, his absence for amoment was unperceived. He ran downstairs and caught Mr. Garnet.
'Mr. Garnet! I think I saw Lady Aphrodite give you her diamonds?' 'Yes,your Grace.'
'Are they valuable?' in a careless tone. 'Hum! pretty stones; verypretty stones, indeed. Few Baronets' ladies have a prettier set; worthperhaps a 1000L.; say 1200L. Lady Aphrodite Grafton is not theDuchess of St. James, you know,' said Mr. Garnet, as if he anticipatedfurnishing that future lady with a very different set of brilliants.
'Mr. Garnet, you can do me the greatest favour.' 'Your Grace has only tocommand me at all times.'
'Well, then, in a word, for time presses, can you contrive, withoutparticularly altering--that is, without altering the general appearanceof these diamonds--can you contrive to change the stones, and substitutethe most valuable that you have; consistent, as I must impress upon you,with maintaining their general appearance as at present?'
'The most valuable stones,' musingly repeated Mr. Garnet; 'generalappearance as at present? Your Grace is aware that we may run up somethousands even in this set?'
'I give you no limit.'
'But the time,' rejoined Mr. Garnet. 'They must be ready for herLadyship's party. We shall be hard pressed. I am afraid of the time.'
'Cannot the men work all night? Pay them anything.'
'It shall be done, your Grace. Your Grace may command me in anything.'
'This is a secret between us, Garnet. Your partners------'
'Shall know nothing. And as for myself, I am as close as an emerald in aseal-ring.'