"It is plain that you must grant Lieutenant Lorenzi leave to depart." "Yes, if he gives me a pledge," exclaimed the Marchese with flashing eyes, as if this idea gave him peculiar delight.
"That seems rather a good plan," said Casanova, a little absent-mindedly, for his scheme was ripening.
Lorenzi drew a ring from his finger and flicked it across the table.
The Marchese took it up, saying: "That is good for a thousand." "What about this one ?" Lorenzi threw down another ring in front of the Marchese.
The latter nodded, saying: "That is good for the same amount." "Are you satisfied now, Signor Marchese ?" enquired Lorenzi, moving as if to go.
"I am satisfied," answered the Marchese, with an evil chuckle; "all the more, seeing that the rings are stolen." Lorenzi turned sharply, clenching his fist as if about to strike the Marchese.

Olivo and the Abbate seized Lorenzi's arm.
"I know both the stones, though they have been reset," said the Marchese without moving from his place.

"Look, gentlemen, the emerald is slightly flawed, or it would be worth ten times the amount.

The ruby is flawless, but it is not a large one.

Both the stones come from a set of jewels which I once gave my wife.