"
I was coxcomb enough to fancy Emily was vexed that I had neglected to
be more particular about her being on the island, and her connection
with the ship. This might have been a mistake; however.
"Let us see the pearls, Miles; and that will plead your apology," said
Lucy.
"There, then--your charming eyes, young ladies, never looked on pearls
like those, before."
Female nature could not suppress the exclamations of belight that
succeeded. Even Rupert, who had a besetting weakness on the subject of
all personal ornaments, laid aside his segar, and came within the
prescribed distance, the better to admire. It was admitted all round,
New York had nothing to compare with them. I then mentioned that they
had been fished up by myself from the depths of the sea.
"How much that adds to their value!" said Lucy, in a low voice, but in
her warm, sincere manner.
"That was getting them _cheap_, was it not, Miss Wallingford?"
inquired Emily, with an emphasis I disliked.
"Very; though I agree with Lucy, it makes them so much the more
valuable."
"If Miss Merton will forget my charge of treason, and condescend to
put on the necklace, you will all see it to much greater advantage
than at present. If a fine necklace embellishes a fine woman, the
advantage is quite reciprocal.
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