"That is true, Mr. Carter. She possesses a magnificent collection of
jewels, and wears them with an abandon against which I frequently have
cautioned her."

"By way of explanation," put in Mr. Garside, with an odd smile, "Venner
might add that he enjoys quite friendly relations with the Spanish
señora."

"I see no occasion, Garside, for comments upon my interest in Sanetta
Cervera," declared Venner, with a frown at his partner. "My relations
with her, Detective Carter, are only those of a friend and a gentleman.
She called here several weeks ago to have some diamonds reset, when I
met her personally, and was deeply impressed with her extraordinary
grace and beauty. I since have shown her some attention."

"Quite natural, I am sure," observed Nick, smiling indifferently. "As
you remarked, however, none of that appears to be material. I
understand, Mr. Venner, that you were absent when Boyden brought the
diamonds here this morning."

"I was," bowed Venner. "I received a note from Señora Cervera this
morning, asking me to call upon her at eleven o'clock at her rooms, and
to bring with me a diamond pendant which we have in stock, and which I
had the pleasure of showing her a few days ago."

"Ah, I see."

"She stated in her note that if I would call upon her at the hour
mentioned, she would decide whether to purchase the pendant, or have us
make the diamond cross for her."