The Devil (or the Diamond) possessed that dinner-party; and it was a relief to everybody when my mistress rose, and gave the ladies the signal to leave the gentlemen over their wine.
I had just ranged the decanters in a row before old Mr.Ablewhite (who represented the master of the house), when there came a sound from the terrace which, startled me out of my company manners on the instant.
Mr.Franklin and I looked at each other; it was the sound of the Indian drum.

As I live by bread, here were the jugglers returning to us with the return of the Moonstone to the house! As they rounded the corner of the terrace, and came in sight, I hobbled out to warn them off.

But, as ill-luck would have it, the two Bouncers were beforehand with me.

They whizzed out on to the terrace like a couple of skyrockets, wild to see the Indians exhibit their tricks.

The other ladies followed; the gentlemen came out on their side.