The Tancred presents of sapphires and diamonds lay in their open cases on the table with the splendid Markrute yards of pearls.

She was standing looking down at them, the strangest expression of cynical resignation upon her face.
"Your gift is magnificent, Uncle Francis," she said, without thanking him.

"Which do you wish me to wear?
Yours--or his ?" "Lord Tancred's, he has specially asked that you put his on to-night," the financier replied.

"These are only his first small ones; the other jewels are being reset for you.

Nothing can be kinder or more generous than the whole family has been.