The Shadow 244 by Maxwell Grant

Author:Maxwell Grant
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

ROYCE heard Margo reach the table where the jewels were. He turned, came over to help choose adornments that would elaborate the simple costume. As they proceeded, it became apparent that Royce intended to load Margo with all the jewelry she could carry.

Indeed, both girl and costume made a fitting background for a galaxy of gems. The short tunic was sleeveless, and after Margo’s hands were embellished with rings on every finger, her arms looked very bare. Royce corrected that by supplying three heavy bangles for each arm; large ones, that slid above Margo’s elbows. Next came as many smaller bracelets, which fitted Margo’s wrists.

While Margo was putting on a pair of large cameo earrings, Royce girded her with an elaborately jeweled belt, wide enough to cover the gap in her costume. Margo sat down and extended each foot, while Royce fitted her with anklets, much heavier and larger than the arm bangles.

Studying herself in a full-length mirror, Margo was quite pleased with the result. Instead of clashing, the garish ornaments produced a mass effect that a skilled painter like Royce could develop to perfection. Still, when Margo turned around, Royce shook his head. The jewels weren’t too many; they were not enough.

“You represent barbaric splendor,” declared Royce, “but there must be something more. Some trinket that will strike a delicate touch. I have the very thing we need.”

From the glitter on the table, Royce chose a ruby necklace, but it wasn’t the ornament in question. Going to a table, he brought out a small box, and from it dumped some pieces of jade. He showed the largest carving to Margo and she was intrigued by its appearance.

The jade was tooth-shaped, and had two tiny prongs extending from the corners above its points. By those prongs, Royce attached it to the ruby necklace, which he slipped over Margo’s head. As the rubies settled around the girl’s neck, the jade carving slid down from her throat, stopping just above the V-shaped border of her tunic.

Contrasted with the deep olive hue of the costume, the apple-green jade gave the final effect that Royce desired, though he did not discount the crimson of the ruby necklace. While Margo was mirroring herself and approving the result, Royce looked across her shoulder and nodded.

“Red and green,” he declared. “A splendid contrast, in this particular arrangement. And now, Miss Lane” - he gave a deep chuckle - “you are wearing the real prize of my collection.”

Fingering the ruby necklace as she turned, Margo gave an understanding nod as she said:

“These rubies are large enough to be worth a fortune in themselves -”

“I do not mean the rubies,” interrupted Royce, still chuckling. “I refer to the jade pendant.”

“Why -” Margo paused, somewhat puzzled. “Why, the other night, you said that jade had little value.

“Little value in itself,” agreed Royce, “but far more than the rest of the junk jewelry you are wearing. Don’t think that I am laughing at you, Miss Lane.” Royce’s tone was becoming convulsive. “We shall enjoy the final laugh together, when the crowd arrives for the studio party.

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