repeatedly denied, the Rajah of Kashgar had presented this officer

with the sixth known diamond of the world. The gift transformed

General Vandeleur from a poor into a wealthy man, from an obscure

and unpopular soldier into one of the lions of London society; the

possessor of the Rajah's Diamond was welcome in the most exclusive

circles; and he had found a lady, young, beautiful, and well-born,

who was willing to call the diamond hers even at the price of

marriage with Sir Thomas Vandeleur. It was commonly said at the

time that, as like draws to like, one jewel had attracted another;

certainly Lady Vandeleur was not only a gem of the finest water in

her own person, but she showed herself to the world in a very

costly setting; and she was considered by many respectable

authorities, as one among the three or four best dressed women in

England.

Harry's duty as secretary was not particularly onerous; but he had

a dislike for all prolonged work; it gave him pain to ink his

lingers; and the charms of Lady Vandeleur and her toilettes drew

him often from the library to the boudoir. He had the prettiest

ways among women, could talk fashions with enjoyment, and was never

more happy than when criticising a shade of ribbon, or running on

an errand to the milliner's. In short, Sir Thomas's correspondence

fell into pitiful arrears, and my Lady had another lady's maid.

At last the General, who was one of the least patient of military

commanders, arose from his place in a violent access of passion,

and indicated to his secretary that he had no further need for his

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