Miss Levison had read of this jewel as one of the most valuable among precious stones.

She had heard also, what evidently the young marquis did not think worth while to tell her in connection with its history, namely, that it had been held as an amulet of such power that it was believed the ducal house of Hereward would never be without a male heir as long as it possessed that priceless ruby heart.

Miss Levison supposed this to be the reason why it had been preserved by the old duke from the total wreck of his fortune.

And the marquis had given it to her! Well, that was not giving it out of the family, since she was to be his wife.

While offering it he had undervalued the royal gift.