of them without a flaw. So far as I can see, there is not one of them
that is in the least off-color."

"I thought so," was Mr. Cutler's inward and exultant comment; but he
simply asked, as if he accepted the man's verdict as a matter of course:
"What is your estimate of their value?"

"Well," said the jeweler, smiling, "if you wish to know their real
value just for your own satisfaction, I can give it; but that might
considerably exceed the amount I should be willing to name in case you
might wish to dispose of them to me."

"I understand," Mr. Cutler returned; "but what would they be worth to
you--what would you be willing to give for the stones?"

Mr. Arnold considered the matter a few moments, and then named a sum
which Mr. Cutler deemed a fair price under the circumstances, and one
which he felt sure Mrs. Bently would be only too glad to secure in her
emergency.

"You make that offer for them, then--you will purchase them if the lady
agrees to take the sum you have named?" he asked.

"Yes, and the offer shall be open for her acceptance or refusal for three
days."

"Thank you; I will see you again before the time expires," Mr. Cutler
replied; and, taking up the diamonds, which Mr. Arnold had placed in a
small box, he put them carefully away in an inside pocket and left the
store.