The Duchess of Wiltshires Diamonds | Page 5

be, and the attempt must be made on the night of
the ball if possible. In the meantime I'll set my wits to work upon a
plan."
Next day Simon Carne was the recipient of an invitation to the ball in
question, and two days later he called upon the Duchess of Wiltshire at
her residence in Belgrave Square with a plan prepared. He also took
with him the small vase he had promised her four nights before. She
received him most graciously, and their talk fell at once into the usual
channel. Having examined her collection and charmed her by means of
one or two judicious criticisms, he asked permission to include
photographs of certain of her treasures in his forthcoming book, then
little by little he skilfully guided the conversation on to the subject of
jewels.
"Since we are discussing gems, Mr. Carne," she said, "perhaps it would
interest you to see my famous necklace. By good fortune I have it in
the house now, for the reason that an alteration is being made to one of
the clasps by my jewellers."
"I should like to see it immensely," answered Carne. "At one time and
another I have had the good fortune to examine the jewels of the
leading Indian Princes, and I should like to be able to say that I had

seen the famous Wiltshire necklace."
"Then you shall certainly have that honour," she answered with a smile.
"If you will ring that bell I will send for it."
Carne rang the bell as requested, and when the butler entered he was
given the key of the safe and ordered to bring the case to the
drawing-room.
"We must not keep it very long," she observed while the man was
absent. "It is to be returned to the bank in an hour's time."
"I am indeed fortunate," Carne replied, and turned to the description of
some curious Indian wood carving, of which he was making a special
feature in his book. As he explained, he had collected his illustrations
from the doors of Indian temples, from the gateways of palaces, from
old brass work, and even from carved chairs and boxes he had picked
up in all sorts of odd corners. Her Grace was most interested.
"How strange that you should have mentioned it," she said. "If carved
boxes have any interest for you, it is possible my jewel case itself may
be of use to you. As I think I told you during Lady Amberley's dinner,
it came from Benares, and has carved upon it the portraits of nearly
every god in the Hindu Pantheon."
"You raise my curiosity to fever heat," said Carne.
A few moments later the servant returned, bringing with him a wooden
box, about sixteen inches long, by twelve wide, and eight deep, which
he placed upon a table beside his mistress, after which he retired.
"This is the case to which I have just been referring," said the Duchess,
placing her hand on the article in question. "If you glance at it you will
see how exquisitely it is carved."
Concealing his eagerness with an effort, Simon Carne drew his chair up
to the table, and examined the box.

It was with justice she had described it as a work of art. What the wood
was of which it was constructed Carne was unable to tell. It was dark
and heavy, and, though it was not teak, closely resembled it. It was
literally covered with quaint carving, and of its kind was a unique work
of art.
"It is most curious and beautiful," said Carne when he had finished his
examination. "In all my experience I can safely say I have never seen
its equal. If you will permit me I should very much like to include a
description and an illustration of it in my book."
"Of course you may do so; I shall be only too delighted," answered Her
Grace. "If it will help you in your work I shall be glad to lend it to you
for a few hours in order that you may have the illustration made."
This was exactly what Carne had been waiting for, and he accepted the
offer with alacrity.
"Very well, then," she said. "On the day of my ball, when it will be
brought from the bank again, I will take the necklace out and send the
case to you. I must make one proviso however, and that is that you let
me have it back the same day."
"I will certainly promise to do that," replied Carne.
"And now let us look inside," said his hostess.
Choosing a key from a bunch she carried in her pocket, she unlocked
the casket, and lifted the lid. Accustomed as Carne had all his