THE JEWELLER AND THE LORD.
A correspondent sends the 'London National Observer ' an account of "a very instructive conversation with a West End jeweller. On one occasion an eccentric and impecunious younger son of a noble house came and asked for a packet of pearls. Now, the gem merchant knew his customer, and declined the deal. ' Well,' said the nobleman, 'at all events let me look at a string.' ' That, my lord,' said the jeweller, handing over a superb collar, 'is worth £1,500.' ' Then it will just do for me,' cried the visitor, and, slipping it into his pocket, he bolted out of the shop. The tradesman was in despair, but presently went to the hotel where the pearl-fancier lodged and implored him to return the necklet. ' That's impossible,' replied the gentleman, 'because I've given it to Mdlle .' ' Cau you give me a cheque,' asked the jeweller. 'With pleasure,' replied the nobleman, with a chuckle, and wrote out the document. • But,' he added, ' don't blame me if it isn't cashed.' Having fortified himself with three brandies and soda the worthy merchant timorously entered a well-known bank and presented the draft. The clerk to whom he tendered it looked at the signature, observed ' Wait a minute,' and disappeared into the back parlor. ' It's all up with me,' thought the jeweller, but imagine his infinite amazement and joy when the cashier asked ' How will you take it ? ' With his pockets well lined the jeweller hurried .'back to the hotel and displayed his notes to the nobleman. • Good heavens ! ' cried the latter, ' where did you get all that stuff?' 'On your cheque, my lord.' 'On mine?' echoed his lordship. 'By gad, you must get me a monkey for myself.' And he wrote another cheque, which was duly honored. But not a subsequent draft. The mystery was then solved. It appeared that the rake's mother had, unknown to him, placed £2,000 to his credit. Two-thirds, as you know, went for the pearl necklace, and the rest to the dogs.'" _______^____
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Bibliographic details
Tuapeka Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 4258, 17 July 1895, Page 5
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335THE JEWELLER AND THE LORD. Tuapeka Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 4258, 17 July 1895, Page 5
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