“I want to say something to you,” she said, lowering her voice to a whisper as she approached Nancy’s side. “You must be very careful about your jewels. Don’t leave those pearls about when you go downstairs. I agree with you in not liking that maid of yours. What is more, I begin to suspect her.” “Suspect her? What about?” asked Mrs. Rowton. “I cannot exactly say. But did you notice how she changed colour, how evidently confused she was when I spoke about the big robbery at Castle Stewart, and the attempted one at Belton Priory?” “No, I observed nothing,” said Nance. “You have no suspicion in you, child; but I tell you I am certain Hester Winsome is not straight. Half these burglaries are committed through the connivance of girls like her. Ah, here comes your husband with the black diamond. I really am devoured by curiosity.” Lady Georgina flew to unlock the door. Rowton came back bearing a small case in his hand. He touched the spring, and the case flew open. An enormous diamond of the purest water, but in colour as black as coal, lay on its satin bed within. The diamond was set in heavy gold, to which a pin was attached; and the gem was evidently meant to be worn in the hair. Without a word, but nevertheless with fingers which slightly trembled, Rowton lifted the treasure from its bed, and placed it in his wife’s powdered locks. “There,” he said, “come and see yourself once again in the glass. I guessed that this queer stone would fit you to perfection. You are so fair that the sort of devildom of the thing comes out all the better from contrast.” “Upon my word, that diamond looks almost uncanny,” cried Lady Georgina. “What possessed you to get it for your wife?” “Because of its rarity, and because I am rather fond of the uncanny,” said Rowton, with a slight laugh. “The price of this gem, like a good woman, is above rubies.” “Well, it certainly is magnificent,” said Lady Georgina. “It will be remarked by everyone in the room.” “Why not? I mean it to be,” answered Rowton. “Those tiresome burglars who are hovering round the neighbourhood had better not get wind of it,” continued Lady Georgina. “If they do, they are certain to have a try for this house and its treasures.” “I am afraid that fact will not prevent Nance from wearing her husband’s present,” said the master of the Heights in a careless tone. “It sends out queer rays, does it not?—rays not of day but night.” “Adrian, I am half afraid of it,” said Nance. She put up her hand, took the pin from her hair, and looked at the sparkling dark gem with a frightened expression on her face. “You poor dear little mass of superstition,” said Rowton; “what can there be to frighten you in your husband’s present?” “Not in your present,” she answered, “only I wish it were not black.”