Carolyn Wells

The Curved Blades Carolyn Wells

True to its reputation for calming the impulses of the turbulent spirit, the music soothedMiss Carrington's ruffled temper, and she waxed amiable and even gay. Enthroned on herfavorite red velvet chair, resplendent in an elaborately decorated gown of sapphire bluesatin, with her bright auburn locks piled high and topped by an enormous comb of carvedtortoise-shell, she dominated the little group and gave orders that must be obeyed. She wore, among other jewels, a magnificent rope of pearls. So remarkable were these, thatthe Count, who had never seen them before, ventured to refer to them."Yes," agreed Miss Carrington, "they are wonderful. Practically priceless, I assure you. Ittook my agent years to collect them.""And you grace an informal home evening with these regal gems?""Not usually, no. But you know, Count Charlier, pearls must be worn frequently to preservetheir lustre. Laid away a long time, they grow dead and dull-looking.""You keep them here? Is it safe, think you?""I don't keep them here all the time. Indeed, I got these from the Safe Deposit only thismorning. I shall return them there in a few days. While here, I shall wear them all I can toliven them up.""You brought a lot of your other jewels, didn't you, Aunt Lucy?" said Pauline, casually; "whydid you? Are you going to a ball?""No: I wish to-to look them over and plan to have some reset.""But are they safe?" inquired the Count again; "do you not fear thieves?""No, we never have such things as robbery in Merivale Park. It is a quiet, well-behavedneighborhood.""But you have a safe?" went on the Count; "you take at least that precaution?"