“No; but I am very anxious to sell it. Will you _please_ tell me what you will give me for it?” The proprietor looked not a little surprised. “We should have to consider it, my dear young lady, and within a reasonable time give our decision.” “But I can’t wait. I must sell it to-day--right off,” said the girl impulsively. “Such a thing would be unheard of. But I will examine it.” “But why can’t you decide right now? It wouldn’t take you very long, I’m sure, and it’s _so_ important!” “The Christmas shopping, you mean?” for there were girls in his own family, and he knew the demands of Christmas. “Christmas shopping!” she exclaimed with fine scorn. “Do you suppose I am trying to get money for Christmas shopping? I want to buy Old Nick.” “Old Nick!” he repeated in amazement. “You’re the first person I’ve ever met who thought seriously of buying his Satanic Majesty and set about obtaining money to do it.” “Oh, dear me! Please be serious, for really it is all too dreadful to laugh about,” and tears came into the pretty gray eyes. “My dear young lady,” said the jeweler kindly, for he saw how deeply in earnest she was, and he was touched by the pathetic tone in the girlish voice, “I beg your pardon for smiling, and will be glad to learn the circumstances, if you are willing to tell them.” Although nearly seventeen, Isabel was still in many respects a child, and in a moment was pouring out the story of her love for Old Nick, and her determination to buy him back. It was all told very simply, yet with a child’s dramatic touch, and her listener quickly detected her wish to shield her father from censure, even though he justly deserved it. When she had finished, he looked into the flushed face and shining eyes, as she asked: “Can you wait an hour or so? I am in need of a certain stone, and it is just possible that the one you have may fill the want. You say it is a ruby?” “Yes, it is a ruby,” replied Isabel, as she took the ring from her purse and handed it to him. “I will wait as long as you wish,” and she stepped into the outer shop. In a little more than an hour she was called into the private once again. With a beating heart she entered. The jeweler rose from his chair as he saw her. “Well, have you come to learn Old Nick’s fate?” he asked kindly. “I am happy to say that you have solved half the problem, anyway, for the stone is very beautiful, and I am willing to give you two hundred dollars for it. Do you accept my terms?” “Two hundred dollars! Why, Old Nick was sold for less than one hundred. But one would buy him back; don’t you think so?” It is to the man’s credit that he suppressed a smile as he answered very seriously: “Ah, but the dealer will never be willing to sell him without making a good profit. You’d better take the two hundred; the ring is fully worth it.”