archal hand. Which was indeed significant of an admirable tolerance, for he could not be supposed to entertain the deepest reverence for the head of a schismatic faith. Anastass then drew him apart and laid before him the object of their call.
“Before giving an order,” he said, “I must particularly request that you maintain
A certain rose arbor on the edge of the terrace where he would spend the long hot days.—Page 73. perfect silence about anything which we may ask you to do. I should let you know that we have selected your house simply because we judged that your discretion would be quite equal to your resources, taste, and skill.”
Monsieur Karaghieuze intimated that he was profoundly sensible of the honor conferred upon his house, and that he would rather suffer bankruptcy a thousand times than give occasion for shaking such confidence. Anastass then went on:
“In assuming the affairs of the Patriarchate His Beatitude has made a painful discovery. He has found that the treasury has been ransacked, that certain objects are missing, and that from the most valuable of our antique regalia the stones are”—Anastass lowered his voice—“gone! Whether it happened during the lifetime of the late Constantine Emmanuel, or during the interregnum ensuing upon his death, there has been no time, it may never be possible, to determine. But His Beatitude is to be installed within the month, and, naturally, he is gravely concerned for the honor of the church should these losses become known.” At this they both glanced toward the old nan, who was diffusing in the small bright place the benediction of his smile. “Accordingly he proposes,” continued Anastass, “to make good the loss as best he can out of his private means. Fortunately they are—adequate.”
Again Monsieur Karaghieuze glanced at the old man, this time in greater admiration than before.
“What noble self-sacrifice!” he exclaimed.
“Eh, these men of the church!” smiled Anastass. “They, unlike ourselves, think only of laving up treasures in heaven!”
“You may count upon our discretion!” declared Monsieur Karaghieuze feelingly. “Will it be—a—goldsmith’s work that you will require, or jewelry?”
“Chiefly jewelry,” replied Anastass. “A considerable number of unset gens. And the work, you understand, will have to be done in His Beatitude’s apartments, under his own supervision. With despatch also. We shall wish to begin to-morrow morning. What we will do now will be to select the stones from which the losses may be repaired. Of course you will have ample security to cover their value until the work is done and the price paid.”
“Par exemple!” burst out Monsieur Karaghieuze. “Do not mention security before that face!” He waved his hand toward the wonderful old man. “What is it you wish to see? Diamonds? Rubles? Emeralds? Everything?” And in the assenting smile of Anastass he approached one of the red velvet walls, which proved to