CHAPTER VII.
"Each of these pearls, my Lord, is worth fifty thousand guineas," said Mr.Amethyst, the fashionable jeweler, as he lightly lifted a large shovelful from a convenient bin behind his counter.
"Indeed," said Lothaw, carelessly, "I should prefer to see some expensive ones.
"Some number sixes, I suppose," said Mr.Amethyst, taking a couple from the apex of a small pyramid that lay piled on the shelf.

"These are about the size of the Duchess of Billingsgate's, but they are in finer condition.

The fact is, her Grace permits her two children, the Marquis of Smithfield and the Duke of St.Giles,--two sweet pretty boys, my Lord,--to use them as marbles in their games.

Pearls require some attention, and I go down there regularly twice a week to clean them.

Perhaps your Lordship would like some ropes of pearls ?" "About half a cable's length," said Lothaw, shortly, "and send them to my lodgings." Mr.Amethyst became thoughtful.