“For round her neck and upon her head Mrs. Vanderdellen was wearing a gorgeously magnificent _parure_ composed of black diamonds.” Chapter IV “I don’t know how the case of Wilson _v._ Barnsdale was settled, for it never came into court. There were many people in London who owed the Wilsons an apology, and it is to be hoped that these were tendered in full. “As for Mrs. Vanderdellen, she seemed quite unaware why her appearance at Their Majesties’ Court had caused quite so much sensation. No one, of course, broached the subject of the diamonds to her, and she no doubt attributed those significant ‘Oh’s’ to her own dazzling beauty. “The next day, however, Detective Marsh, of Scotland Yard, had a very difficult task before him. He had to go and ask a beautiful, rich, and refined woman how she happened to be in possession of stolen jewellery. “Luckily for Marsh, however, he had to deal with a woman who was also charming, and who met his polite enquiry with an equally pleasant reply: “‘My husband gave me the Black Diamonds,’ she said, ‘a year ago on his return from Europe. I had them set in Vienna last Spring, and wore them for the first time last night. Will you please tell me the reason of this strange enquiry?’ “‘Your husband?’ echoed Marsh, ignoring her question, ‘Mr. Vanderdellen?’ “‘Oh, yes,’ she replied sweetly, ‘I dare say you have never heard of him. His name is very well known in America, where they call him the “Petrol King.” One of his hobbies was the collection of gems, which he was very fond of seeing me wear, and he gave me some magnificent jewels. The Black Diamonds certainly are very handsome. May I now request you to tell me,’ she repeated, with a certain assumption of hauteur, ‘the reason of all these enquiries?’ “‘The reason is simple enough, madam,’ replied the detective abruptly, ‘those diamonds were the property of Her Majesty the Queen of “Bohemia,” and were stolen from Their Majesties’ residence, Eton Chase, Chislehurst, on the 5th of July last year.’ “‘Stolen!’ she repeated, aghast and obviously incredulous. “‘Yes, stolen,’ said old Marsh. ‘I don’t wish to distress you unnecessarily, Madam, but you will see how imperative it is that you should place me in immediate communication with Mr. Vanderdellen, as an explanation from him has become necessary.’ “‘Unfortunately, that is impossible,’ said Mrs. Vanderdellen, who seemed under the spell of a strong emotion. “‘Impossible?’ “‘Mr. Vanderdellen has been dead just over a year. He died three days after his return to New York, and the Black Diamonds were the last present he ever made me.’