The gentleman turned the ring in his
hand, and carefully examined the sparkling diamonds as well as the
antique setting; and when he observed the initials, engraved upon the
inside, he grew pale as marble, and hurriedly addressed the astonished
shopkeeper saying, "In the name of pity, tell me where you obtained this
ring?" "I am very willing to inform you," said the man "how this ring
came into my possession. Several months ago a young girl, of very
delicate and lady-like appearance, brought this ring here and desired me
to purchase it. She seemed very anxious to dispose of the ornament, and,
thinking I could easily sell it again, I paid her a fair price and took
the ring, and that is all I can tell you about the matter." "You do not
know the lady's name?" said the gentleman anxiously. "I do not," replied
the man, "but I have frequently seen her pass in the street. The
circumstance of her selling me this valuable ring caused me to notice
her particularly, and I recognized her countenance ever after." "Name
your price for the ring," said the gentleman,--"I must purchase it at
any price; and the next thing, I must, if possible, find the young lady
who brought it here, I have seen this ring before, and that is all I
wish to say of the matter at present; but is there no way in which you
can assist me in obtaining an interview with this young lady?" "I have
no knowledge of her name or residence; but if you were in my shop when
she chanced to pass here I could easily point her out to you in the
street.
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