"I wasn't aware that it had a reputation."

"Oh, yes. Your scandalous habit of taking it after dinner is a favorite topic of conversation at my club. The members are divided on how a gentleman should react when a lady refuses to retire to the drawing room. Many insist that it would be better to forsake the beverage entirely than to encourage the corruption of a viscount's widow. However, when faced with your most excellent cellar, it's difficult for a fellow to stand by his principles."

"There are few things I enjoy more than a nice port, and I think it's outrageous that ladies are sent away right as the conversation starts to get interesting," I said.

Mr. Francis smiled. "Gentlemen don't want ladies hearing the sorts of conversation that are interesting, and they would be quick to point out that there are many lovely sherries that you could drink." He returned to his seat.

I noticed that he had done a neat job of directing the conversation away from his comment about the thefts. "If I may return to our previous subject, why is it that you are particularly intrigued by the burglaries we were discussing?"

"A pink diamond from the French queen's personal collection was taken from my safe no less than a fortnight ago."

"I had no idea!" Mr. Barber exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't consider the matter to be of any consequence to you," Mr. Francis said.

"You are my friend. Of course a theft at your house is of consequence to me."

"What did the police say?" I asked. "Were they able to find any clues?"

"I didn't bother to contact them. There's little hope they would recover the stone, and I prefer to keep my affairs private."

"Have you hired an investigator to pursue the matter?" I asked.