He sold them for three thousand two hundred pounds; but
for the big diamond he got twelve thousand pounds, and I believe it was
worth double the money.
Counting the two sums, and deducting six hundred for the stone Mr.
Falcon had embezzled, he gave her over seven thousand pounds.
She stared at him, and changed color at so large a sum. "But I have no
claim on that, sir."
"That is a good joke," said he. "Why, you and I are partners in the
whole thing--you and I and Dick. Was it not with his horse and rifle I
bought the big diamond? Poor dear, honest, manly Dick! No, the money is
honestly yours, Mrs. Falcon; but don't trust a penny to your husband."
"He will never see it, sir. I shall take him back, and give him all his
heart can ask for, with this; but he will be little more than a servant
in the house now, as long as Dick is single; I know that;" and she could
still cry at the humiliation of her villain.
Staines made her promise to write to him; and she did write him a sweet,
womanly letter, to say that they were making an enormous fortune, and
hoped to end their days in England. Dick sent his kind love and thanks.
I will add, what she only said by implication, that she was happy after
all.
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