But your trade is one that barters all kinds of gear, and I have this pearl clasp to offer to you in part exchange for what I wish to take of you, so doubtless you will furnish me over and above with money to put in my gipsire: for the clasp is a valuable one, as any one who knows gems can see at a glance; nor would I part with it, but that necessity compels me." The peddler looked at the clasp attentively, and then gave such a quick, keen look at the prince as would have aroused Paul's anxiety had he been near at hand.

But he had not observed his comrade's last move, and was still patiently holding out stuffs in good natured if rather clumsy man fashion for the farmer's wife and daughter to take stock of and compare one with another.
"Hum--yes--a pretty trinket and a costly one, I doubt not, for those that have a market for such things," returned the peddler.
"And how came you by it, young sir?
It scarce seems in accord with the simplicity of your dress and appointments." Edward flushed slightly.

He was not used to being taken to task, and that by a common peddler; but his common sense told him that he must expect such treatment now, and not be over ready to take offence, so he answered quietly enough: "It has been in our family these many years.

I know not how it came there first.

I trow I am not the only youth who has jewels by him in these days little in keeping with the bravery of his other garments." The peddler nodded his head with a smile.
"True, true, young sir; I meant no offence.