Infinitely more interesting is the hidden history of each great jewel, from the discovery of the rough stone to the period when it reaches the hands of the lapidary, to be polished and cut for a drawing-room existence.

What a record of intrigue and knavery, stabbings and poisonings, connected with some of the greatest jewels in the British Crown--the Black Prince's ruby, for example!" Musard gazed thoughtfully at the great ruby on his own finger as he ceased speaking.

The guests had finished dinner, and Miss Heredith, with a watchful eye on the big carved clock which swung a sedate pendulum by the fireplace, beckoned Tufnell to her and directed him to serve coffee and liqueurs at table.
"What is your favourite stone, Mr.Musard ?" said a bright-eyed girl sitting near him, after coffee had been served.
"Personally I have a weakness for the ruby," replied Musard.

"Its intrinsic value has been greatly discounted in these days of synthetic stones, but it is still my favourite, largely, I suppose, because a perfect natural ruby is so difficult to find.

I remember once journeying three thousand miles up the Amazon in search of a ruby reputed to be as large as a pigeon's egg.