"No. I can't imagine there would be any point in doing so."

"You can't let such a thing go unreported," I said.

Mr. Francis was nonplussed. "When was the last time you heard of jewelry stolen by a cat burglar being returned to the rightful owner? It's a hopeless business."

"But Mr. Francis, it's imperative that the crime be investigated," I said. "Even if it goes unsolved, one must try to uncover the truth."

"I'd rather not upset my wife," he said. "She's exceedingly shy and suffers greatly when forced to talk to strangers."

"But surely she's noticed that the diamond is missing?" Cécile asked.

"It's not the sort of thing she would want to wear." He studied the ashes on the end of his cigar thoughtfully for a moment, then changed the subject. "Have you ladies been to the Royal Academy exhibition? Barber's got several good pieces in it this year."

"I've been twice," I said. "There is one sculpture that I remember in particular. A woman holding a basket of flowers. I believe it is yours, Mr. Barber."

"I'm pleased that you noticed it," Mr. Barber replied. "It's one of my favorites."

"I very much enjoyed it. You did a magnificent job capturing a sense of movement. I almost believed she would bend over and pick one of the blossoms at her feet."

"Thank you, Lady Ashton."

"Do you have an extensive collection of art, Mr. Francis?" I asked.

"Not so extensive as I would like."

"Francis spends as much money subsidizing studio rentals for artists as he does on their work," Mr. Barber said.

"No wonder you and Cécile get along so famously," I said. "I should love to see your collection."

"I'm afraid you would find it rather underwhelming."

"I consider that an insult, Francis," Mr. Barber said, grinning. "You've got some of my best pieces."

"I meant only that, given her own holdings, Lady Ashton would be disappointed in the scope and quantity of what I have."