Over this chaplet my brother Bartholomew and I had some little discussion.

The pearls were evidently of great value, and he was averse to part with them, for, between friends, my brother was himself a little inclined to my father's fault.

He thought, too, that if we parted with the chaplet it might give rise to gossip and finally bring us into trouble.

It was all that I could do to persuade him to let me find out Miss Morstan's address and send her a detached pearl at fixed intervals, so that at least she might never feel destitute." "It was a kindly thought," said our companion, earnestly.

"It was extremely good of you." The little man waved his hand deprecatingly.