"Well," said Annie, "it was I who found it out. I showed it to May yesterday. You know Zick the jeweller in the little High Street?" "Of course; his shop is full of rubbish." "There is a necklace there which is not rubbish," said Annie, "and the best of it is that he is not a bit aware of its value himself." "A necklace? What sort?" "He can't be aware of its value," said Annie, "which is very surprising, for these Swiss are so sharp; but I can assure you I was taught to recognise the beauty of good pearls, and there are some lovely ones in that necklace. Now nothing in all the world would be so becoming to May as real, good pearls; and this necklace--it belonged to an old French marquise, who was obliged to sell it, poor dear! to get ready cash. Zick paid--oh, he would not tell me what; but he is offering it for a mere bagatelle." "My dear Miss Brooke--a bagatelle!" "Yes; only forty pounds." "Nonsense!" said Lady Lushington. "Forty pounds! All the contents of his shop are not worth that sum." "I dare say you are right," said Annie, by no means abashed; "with the exception of the necklace. But now, you are a judge of jewels, aren't you?" "Well, I rather flatter myself that I am." "I saw two or three ladies from this hotel looking at the necklace yesterday. I was dying to tell you, but I had not an opportunity. I am so awfully afraid it may be snapped up. Do, do come at once and look at it!" "If they are really fine pearls," said Lady Lushington--"and the old French _noblesse_ were noted for the beauty of some of their gems--it would be exceedingly cheap--exceedingly cheap at forty pounds. But then, of course, the whole thing is a hoax." "Oh, do, do come and see! It would be such a beautiful present for May." "She can't wear ornaments until she is presented," said Lady Lushington. "Well, but think what even a string of pearls would cost, you know, in Bond Street." "Of course I know I could not get anything decent under a hundred pounds. You say forty pounds. Of course, the thing could be re-set-- Would you really like it, May?" "Like it?" said Mabel, trembling. "I'd--I'd adore it, auntie!" "Well," said Lady Lushington, "if your conjecture, Miss Brooke, with regard to Mrs Priestley is correct and Mabel has really only spent forty pounds on her dress, I should not mind doing a deal for the necklace; but as things are--" "As things are," said Annie, "I should not be one scrap surprised if Mrs Warden has the necklace already in her possession. It is certain to be bought up immediately, for it is a real bargain." "In that case," said Lady Lushington, "I had better, Mabel, ring for Parker. I will just walk down with you to Zick's. You can both come with me." Annie skipped as she ran up to her attic bedroom. Mabel, it may be mentioned, had a very nice room on the same floor as her aunt.