There was some demur at this; but the cashier recognized him, and Phoebe making herself responsible, the money and jewels were handed over.

Staines whispered Phoebe, “Are you sure the jewels are mine?”

“They were found on you, sir.”

Staines took them, looking confused.  He did not know what to think.  When they got into the street again, he told her it was very kind of her to think of his interest at all.

No answer:  she was not going to make friends with him over such a trifle as that.

By degrees, however, Christopher’s zeal on her behalf broke the ice; and besides, as the search proved unavailing, she needed sympathy; and he gave it her, and did not abuse her husband as Dick Dale did.

One day, in the street, after a long thought, she said to him, “Didn’t you say, sir, you gave him a letter for me?”

“I gave him two letters; one of them was to you.”

“Could you remember what you said in it?”

“Perfectly.  I begged you, if you should go to England, to break the truth to my wife.  She is very excitable; and sudden joy has killed ere now.  I gave you particular instructions.”

“And you were very wise.  But whatever could make you think I would go to England?”

“He told me you only wanted an excuse.”

“Oh!!”

“When he told me that, I caught at it, of course.  It was all the world to me to get my Rosa told by such a kind, good, sensible friend as you; and, Mrs. Falcon, I had no scruple about troubling you, because I knew the stones would sell for at least a thousand pounds more in England than here, and that would pay your expenses.”

“I see, sir; I see.  ’Twas very natural:  you love your wife.”

“Better than my life.”

“And he told you I only wanted an excuse to go to England?”

“He did, indeed.  It was not true?”

“It was anything but true.  I had suffered so in England; I had been so happy here:  too happy to last.  Ah! well, it is all over.  Let us think of the matter in hand.  Sure that was not the only letter you gave my husband?  Didn’t you write to her?”

“Of course I did; but that was enclosed to you, and not to be given to her until you had broken the joyful news to her.  Yes, Mrs. Falcon, I wrote and told her everything:  my loss at sea; how I was saved, after, by your kindness.  Our journeys, from Cape Town, and then to the diggings; my sudden good fortune, my hopes, my joy—­O my poor Rosa! and now I suppose she will never get it.  It is too cruel of him.  I shall go home by the next steamer.  I can’t stay here any longer, for you or anybody.  Oh, and I enclosed my ruby ring that she gave me, for I thought she might not believe you without that.”

“Let me think,” said Phoebe, turning ashy pale.  “For mercy’s sake, let me think!

“He has read both those letters, sir.

“She will never see hers:  any more than I shall see mine.”