Mr. Madgin in the course of
a post or two. You can go up to Bon Repos at once, and I will induct you
into your new duties to-morrow."

Jasmin thanked Mr. Cleon respectfully and withdrew. Ten minutes later,
with his modest valise in his hand, he set out for his new home. He and
Mr. Deedes did not see each other again. Next day Mr. Deedes announced
that he was summoned home by important letters. He bade the landlord and
Cleon a friendly farewell, and left early on the following morning in
time to catch the first train from Windermere going south.

CHAPTER XXV.

MADGIN JUNIOR'S FIRST REPORT.

Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before
hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington. He had a brief
conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of
bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him
some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had
employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara
had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the
past twenty years. The letter was an assurance that no such stone had
been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any
private individual.

Mr. Madgin took the letter with him to Deepley Walls. In her grim way
Lady Chillington seemed greatly pleased to see him. She was all
impatience to hear what news he had to tell her. But Mr. Madgin had his
reservations; he did not deem it advisable to detail to her ladyship
step by step all that he had done. Her sense of honour might revolt at
certain things he had found it necessary to do in furtherance of the
great object he had in view. He told her of his inquiries among the
London diamond merchants, and read to her the letter he had received
from one of them. Then he went on to describe Bon Repos and its owner
from the glimpses he had had of both. For all such details her ladyship
betrayed a curiosity that seemed as if it would never be satisfied. He
next went on to inform her that he had succeeded in placing his son as
footman at Bon Repos, and that everything now depended on the
discoveries James might succeed in making. But nothing was said as to
the false pretences and the changed name under which Madgin junior had
entered M. Platzoff's household. Those were details which Mr. Madgin
kept judiciously to himself. Her ladyship was perfectly satisfied with
his report; she was more t