and picked up the magic ring, the family
talisman. There it was, the wonderful stone for which no other could
possibly be mistaken, the gem of intolerable light and fire that had to
be shaded before it could be steadily looked at and before the delicate
lines of its flaws delineating the human eye could be discerned. Here is
the ring, Mr. Rockharrt. Examine it for yourself."

Mr. Rockharrt took the ring, examined it curiously, turned it toward the
clouded window, then toward the blazing sea coal fire; in both positions
it burned and sparkled just like any other diamond. Then he shaded it
and looked at it through his eye-glasses; finally he shook his head and
returned it to its owner, saying:

"It is a fine gem, barring a flaw, and I congratulate you on its
recovery, but I see no human eye in it. I see some indistinct lines,
fine as the thread of a spider's web, that is all. There is the
breakfast bell, duke. We will go into the drawing room and find Cora.
She must be down by this time."

Cora was standing at one of the front windows, looking out upon the
driving rain. She turned as the two gentlemen entered the room, and
responded to their greeting.

"Well, now we will go in to breakfast. Did the fresh venison come in
time, Cora?"

"I think so, sir."

"We cook it on the breakfast table, duke, each one for himself. Put a
slice on a china plate over a chafing dish. The only way to eat a
venison cutlet," said old Aaron Rockharrt, as he led the way into the
breakfast room, where his eyes were immediately rejoiced by the sight of
three chafing dishes filled with ignited charcoal ready for use, and a
covered china dish, which he knew must contain the delicate venison
cutlets.

When breakfast was over and they had all left the table, the Iron King,
addressing his guest, said:

"Well, sir, I must be off to North End. I hope you will find some way
of entertaining yourself within doors, for certainly this is not a day
to tempt a man to seek recreation abroad. Nothing but business of
importance could take me out in such weather."

"I regret that any cause should take you out, sir," replied the guest.

As soon as the noise of the wheels had died away, the duke, who had
lingered in the hall to see his host depart, turned and entered the
drawing room, where he found Cora as before, standing at a window
looking out upon the dull November day.

"Will you permit me now to speak on the subject nearest my heart?" he
pleade