These things she wore by night as well as
day; but a gold-chain bag, a magnificent double rope of pearls, a diamond
dog-collar, several rings, brooches, and bangles which Knight had given
her since their marriage, all went.
His pearl studs, his watch (a present out of Annesley's allowance,
hoarded for the purpose), and a collection of jewelled scarf-pins shared
the fate of his wife's treasures.
Unfortunately, a great deal of the Annesley-Seton family silver went at
the same time, regretted by Knight far beyond his own losses. Dick was
inclined to be solemn over such a haul, but Constance laughed.
"Who cares?" she said. "We've no children, and for my part I'm as pleased
as Punch that your horrid old third cousins will come into less when
we're swept off the board. Meanwhile, we get the insurance money for
'loss of use' again. It's simply splendid. And that dear Nelson Smith
insists on buying the best Sheffield plate to replace what's gone. It's
handsomer than the real!"
Neither she nor Dick lost any jewellery, though they possessed a little
with which they had not had the courage to part.
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