“Your ladyship is very kind,” observed Mr. Madgin, deferentially.  “I will do my best to deserve a continuance of your good opinion.”

“As week after week goes by, Mr. Madgin,” resumed Lady Chillington, “the conviction seems to take deeper root within me that that man—­that villain—­M.  Platzoff, has my son’s diamond still in his possession.  I have a sort of spiritual consciousness that such is the case.  My waking intuitions, my dreams by night, all point to the same end.  You, with your cold, worldly sense, may laugh at such things; we women, with our finer organisation, know how often the truth comes to us on mystic 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 previous to a lengthened residence in the south of Europe, I should certainly have retained Jasmin in the position which he has occupied for so long a time with credit to himself and with satisfaction to me.

                “I have the honour, sir, to remain,
                    “Your obedient servant,
                        “SOLOMON MADGIN.

“——­ CLEON, Esq., “Bon Repos, Windermere.”