wings. The diamond will yet be mine!"

"What nonsense women sometimes talk," said Mr. Madgin contemptuously to
himself as he walked back through the park. "Who would believe that my
lady, so sensible on most things, could talk such utter rubbish. But
women have a way of leaping to results, and ignoring processes, that is
simply astounding to men of common sense. The diamond hers, indeed!
Although I have been so successful so far, there is as much difference
between what I have done and what has yet to be done as there is between
the simple alphabet and a mathematical theorem. To-morrow's post ought
to bring me a letter from Bon Repos."

To-morrow's post did bring Mr. Madgin a letter from Bon Repos. The
writer of it was not his son, but Cleon. It was addressed, as a matter
of course, to Deepley Walls, of which place the mulatto had been led to
believe Mr. Madgin was the proprietor. The note, which was couched in
tolerable English, was simply a request to be furnished with a
testimonial as to the character and abilities of James Jasmin, late
footman at Deepley Walls. Mr. Madgin replied by return of post as
under:--

"Deepley Walls, July 27th.

"SIR,--In reply to your favour of the 25th inst, inquiring
as to the character and respectability of James Jasmin, late a
footman in my employ, I beg to say that I can strongly recommend
him, and have much pleasure in so doing, for any similar
employment under you. Jasmin was with me for several years; during
the whole time I found him to be trustworthy, sober and intelligent
in an eminent degree. Had I not been reducing my establishment