'I am sure you would not like the effect without diamonds,' said the
jeweller. 'Your amethysts are very fine, but they are dark and heavy in
tone, and want a good deal of lighting-up, especially for the present
fashion of half-lighted rooms. If you will allow me to use my own
discretion, and mix in a few brilliants, I shall be able to produce a
really artistic _parure_; otherwise I would not recommend you to touch
them. The present setting is clumsy and inelegant; but I really do not
know that I could improve upon it, without an admixture of brilliants.'
'Will the diamonds add very much to the expense?' Lesbia inquired,
timidly.
'My dear child, you are perfectly safe in leaving the matter in Mr.
Cabochon's hands,' interposed Lady Kirkbank, who had particular reasons
for wishing to be on good terms with the head of the establishment. 'Your
dear grandmother gave you the amethysts to be reset; and of course she
would wish it to be done in an artistic manner. Otherwise, as Mr.
Cabochon judiciously says, why have the stones reset at all? Better wear
them in all their present hideousness.
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