CHAPTER XXV.

MADGIN JUNIOR'S FIRST REPORT.


Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before
hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington. He had a brief
conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of
bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him
some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had
employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara
had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the
past twenty years. The letter was an assurance that no such stone had
been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any
private individual.

Mr. Madgin took the letter with him to Deepley Walls. In her grim way
Lady Chillington seemed greatly pleased to see him. She was all
impatience to hear what news he had to tell her. But Mr. Madgin had his
reservations; he did not deem it advisable to detail to her ladyship
step by step all that he had done. Her sense of honour might revolt at
certain things he had found it necessary to do in furtherance of the
great object he had in view. He told her of his inquiries among the
London diamond merchants, and read to her the letter he had received
from one of them. Then he went on to describe Bon Repos and its owner
from the glimpses he had had of both. For all such details her ladyship
betrayed a curiosity that seemed as if it would never be satisfied. He