He had the stage jewellery on too, of which he selected the largest and most shiny rings for himself, and allowed his little finger to quiver out of his cloak with a sham diamond ring covering the first joint of the finger and twiddling in the faces of the pit.

Bingley made it a favour to the young men of his company to go on in light comedy parts with that ring.

They flattered him by asking its history.

The stage has its traditional jewels as the Crown and all great families have.

This had belonged to George Frederick Cooke, who had had it from Mr.Quin, who may have bought it for a shilling.