Alberto was weighing the purse in his hand.
“I doubt it, Excellency,” he said ruefully.
Paolina pulled off the pearls that the Doge had fastened round her neck.
“Take these,” she said. “Any ship’s Captain who has sailed the seven seas will recognise their value.”
Alberto took the necklace doubtfully.
“The men may be afraid to handle such gems lest they be accused of theft,” he said.
“Then make it really worth their while,” Paolina insisted and drew the great diamond engagement ring from her finger,
“What will you say to account for their loss?” Sir Harvey questioned.
Paolina merely shrugged her shoulders.
“Does it matter?” she asked.
“The fastest ships the Mediterranean has ever known will be yours, Excellency,” Alberto promised excitedly.
The diamond seemed to have swept away h
