"A short paragraph," Quarles went on, "but with a sting in the tail of it. People talked a great deal at the time of the marriage three years ago. Leconbridge was called an old fool for going to the stage for a second wife, and it was suggested that, if he must marry an actress, he might have made a better choice. When this kind of thing is said about a beautiful woman there are plenty of evil-minded persons to make the worst of it. You see, Zena, there is some reason for Lord Leconbridge's irritability." "I do not believe there was the slightest foundation for the gossip," I said. "Lady Leconbridge is a most charming person." "I know nothing about her," said Quarles, tapping the paper; "but I am certain that this affair will revive the old gossip." "I wonder why the duchess noticed the diamonds so particularly that evening," said Zena. "Probably because she had not seen them before," I answered. "Mr. Lester told me they were seldom worn--suggested, indeed, that their size and setting were so conspicuous as to make them rather vulgar." "I did not know that famous family jewels could be considered vulgar," she returned; "but, if so, why was Lord Leconbridge so anxious that his wife should wear them on this occasion?" Quarles nodded and looked at me. "A whim," I said; "hardening into a firm determination when his son opposed him. Men are like that." "Are father and son not on good terms, then?" "It has been said that Lord Leconbridge worships his son," I returned. "What age is Rupert Lester?" Zena asked. "About twenty-five." "And Lady Leconbridge?" "Two or three years older." "And Mr. Lester's support of Lady Leconbridge when she preferred the pearls only made his father more determined that the diamonds should be worn. I wonder----" "Ah! that past gossip is having its effect upon your judgment," said Quarles. "You may put that idea out of your mind, Zena," I said. "Mr. Rupert Lester is engaged to Miss Margery Dinneford. It is common knowledge that old Dinneford had other views for his only daughter, but finally allowed his opposition to be overruled. Margery Dinneford and Lady Leconbridge are the greatest of friends." "As a matter of fact, such an idea had not entered my mind," Zena said. "I was wondering why Lord Leconbridge introduced Jacob Hartmann to his wife." "Hartmann is a very wealthy banker," I answered, "who has been extremely useful to the Conservative Party. He is the first of his family, so to speak, and is engaged in winning a big social position. Since Lord Leconbridge is a very important member of the Conservative Party, it is quite natural that such an introduction should take place." "Very interesting," said Quarles; "but are we really required to clear Lady Leconbridge's character? Let us get back to the diamonds. They were kept in the house, I presume?" "In a safe in the wall in Lady Leconbridge's bedroom." "The maid knew they were there?" "Yes."