"Well, Paul?" she said, inquiringly.
"I've got bad news, mother," he said.
"What is it? Tell me quick!" she said, nervously.
"The ring has been stolen from me."
"How did it happen, Paul?"
"First, I must tell you how much the ring is worth. I went up to
Tiffany's, and showed the ring to Mr. Tiffany himself. He told
me that he would give me two hundred and fifty dollars for it, if
I would satisfy him that I had a right to sell it."
"Two hundred and fifty dollars!" repeated Mrs. Hoffman, in
amazement.
"Yes, the diamond is very large and pure."
"Two hundred and fifty dollars would be a great help to us."
"Yes, mother, that is what makes me feel so bad about being
swindled out of it."
"Tell me how it happened. Is there no chance of recovering it?"
"A little. I shall do what I can. I have already notified the
police, and Mr. Tiffany."
"You have not told me yet how you lost it."
When Paul had told the story, his mother asked, "Did you mention
it in the cars that you had offered it at Tiffany's?"
"Yes, and I mentioned his offer."
"Perhaps the thief would be cautious about going there, for that
very reason. He might think the ring would be recognized.
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