Thomery rose to meet her, pointing pleasantly to one of the large arm-chairs in the room. The visitor was profusely apologetic.

“I am so exceedingly sorry, Monsieur Thomery, to disturb you at such an hour, when you must certainly have a great deal to occupy your attention; but the matter I have come about will not wait, and I am sure it will interest you.” This little person seemed very intelligent, and Thomery was favourably impressed by her manner, which was both simple and forthright.

“Madame, I am listening to you. In what way can I be of service to you?”

“I am not here, monsieur,” she protested, “to pester you with any wants and wishes for myself. I am a diamond broker and...”

She had not finished her sentence when Thomery, smiling but firm, rose, and said sharply:

“In that case, madame, I can guess the motive of your call.”

“But, monsieur...”

“Yes... That is so!... Ever since my approaching marriage has been announced, I have received, every day, a dozen visits from jewellers, goldsmiths, upholsterers, and so on... I regret to have to tell you that you will not be able to persuade me to buy... that my betrothed has received so many wedding presents that there is no room for more. I do not require one single thing.”

Although Thomery had spoken in a tone which did not invite further reply, although he had risen to clearly mark his intention of cutting short the call, the diamond broker had remained seated, leaning back in her arm-chair...

She gave no sign of being ready to go away.

“Consequently, madame...” continued Thomery.

His visitor laughed.

“Monsieur, you have very quickly made up your mind that I have nothing interesting to offer you! I have not come to offer you ordinary jewels.”

It was Thomery’s turn to smile slightly.

“I quite understand, madame, that you should think your merchandise exceptional... But once more...” The broker interrupted the merchant with a movement of her hand:

“Do listen to me a moment, monsieur!... Though I am a diamond broker, diamonds are not what I have come to ask you to purchase... it is a question of something quite different.”

She paused deliberately: Thomery gazed at her without saying a word.

“You know, monsieur,” continued the broker, “that in such a business as mine, one is obliged to see a great many jewellers every day; well, in the course of my dealings, I found at a jeweller’s – you must allow me to withhold his name – some pearls, which I am certain you will find are a wonderful bargain.”

“For the last time, madame, I do not want a wonderful bargain!”

The agent smiled curiously.

“There are some things which simply do not allow themselves to be refused,” she declared... She now drew from her pocket a little jewel-case; and, notwithstanding Thomery’s unconcealed impatience, opened it, and selected two pearls which she held out to him.