"
"You say you left the boy locked up. It seems to me, you'd
better sell the ring before he has a chance to get out and
interfere."
"I don't know but you're right, my dear. Well, we'll get ready."
"Do you want me to go with you?"
"Yes; it will disarm suspicion if you are with me. I think I'll
go as a country parson."
"Country parsons are not apt to have diamond rings to dispose
of."
"Very true, my dear. The remark does credit to your good
judgment and penetration. But I know how to get over that."
"As how?"
"Be a little more particular about your speech, my dear.
Remember, you are a minister's wife, and must use refined
expressions. What is easier than to say that the ring was given
me by a benevolent lady of my congregation, to dispose of for the
benefit of the poor?"
"Well thought of, Tony. You've got a good head-piece."
"You're right, my dear. I don't like to indulge in self-praise,
but I believe I know a thing or two. And now for the masquerade.
Where are the duds?"
"In the black trunk."
"Then we'd better lose no time in putting them on."
Without describing the process of transformation in detail, it
will be sufficient to say that the next twenty minutes wrought a
decided change in the appearance of Mr.
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