ent is 1500 francs; and though I have my suspicions that I
am making a foolish bargain, I had rather run any risk than leave you
in such distress. The next time I have business in Paris, I can
ascertain the value of the jewel, and if I have given you too little,
I will make it up to you.' And with, a glad and grateful heart the
abbess took home the 1500 francs, thankful at having obtained the
means of subsistence for at least a year.

Some months later, old Simon went up to Paris, and hastening to one of
the principal jewellers, shewed the ruby, and begged to know its
value. The jeweller took the stone carelessly; but after a few
moments' examination of it, he cast a rapid glance at the threadbare
coat and mean appearance of the possessor, and then abruptly
exclaimed: 'This jewel does not belong to you, and you must not leave
the house till you account for its being in your possession. Close the
doors,' he said to his foreman, 'and send for the police.' In vain did
Simon protest his innocence; in vain did he offer every proof of it.
The lapidary would listen to nothing; but at every look he gave the
gem, he darted at him a fresh glance of angry contempt. 'You must be a
fool as well as a knave,' he said. 'Do you know, scoundrel, that this
is the Vatteville--the prince of rubies; the most splendid, the rarest
of gems. It might be deemed a mere creation of imagination, were it
not enrolled and accurately described in the archives of our art. See
here, in the _Guide des Lapidaires_, a print of it. Mark its antique
fashioning, and that dark spot!--yes, it is indeed the precious ruby
so long thought lost. Rest assured, fellow, you shall not quit the
house until you satisfy me how you have contrived to get possession of
it.'

'I should at once have told you, but from unwillingness to endanger
the life of a poor woman who has confided in me. I got the jewel from
the Abbess de Vatteville herself, and it is her last and only
resource.' And now M. Simon proved, by unquestionable documents, that
notwithstanding his more than humble appearance, he was a man of
wealth and respectability, and received the apologies which were
tendered, together with assurances that Madame Vatteville's secret was
safe with one who, he begged to say,'knew how to respect misfortune,
whenever and however presented to his notice.'

'But what is the jewel worth?' asked M. Simon.

'Millions, sir! and neither I nor any one else in the trade here could
pu