contribute an equal sum of money, say seven hundred and fifty pounds, towards the purchase of a set of diamonds, which we will regard as having belonged to our great grandmother, and we will contest the right to this set, which each will refuse to see divided, and he who obtains by award of the court the set of jewels, he also by mutual consent shall have the stockings.”
A strange and puzzling proposition. Hezekiah saw that the world would view a contest between him and his brother for a pair of stockings in much the same light as did his own wife. The world had not that fineness of sentiment, that clinging to the past which he possessed, and so would be unable to estimate the value of the contested article aright. If he and Philip were to engage in a legal contest together, it would be as well that they should ostensibly fight over something the gross world would consider of real worth. But Hezekiah hesitated about accepting his brother’s proposal. How would it be if there were to be cross-examination as to the date of acquisition of the set of jewelry? He could not on oath declare it had belonged to his great-grandmother. But then—he further considered—was it likely that such questions would be put? He and his brother would appear in court disputing with each other the possession of a set of diamonds and other valuables that both he and his brother recognized as heirlooms from that great-grandmother. The point at law would be to whom the diamonds were to be adjudged, not when they had been acquired.
He further argued that if—as was certain—the case would be given in his favour, he would acquire not only indisputable possession of the stockings, but also of a set of precious stones worth fifteen hundred pounds. It really was a chance not to be passed over. His right to the stockings was obvious. They had been sent over to his house by his father without a word as to his having to return them; and he could therefore assume, yes, assert, even swear that they had been given him by his father. Naturally, the jewels would mentally stand for stockings, and what each brother swore concerning the jewels would refer by tacit understanding to the object of real litigation.
A few days later, after dinner, Mrs. Heckmondwyke reverted to the subject of dispute.
“My dear, we have not seen Philip for some time. Why does he not drop in on us as of old? Is it because of that pair of stockings? Upon my word I will burn them, if I come across them, it is monstrous, it is positively ridiculous, that two middle-aged men should quarrel about such a trifle.”
“Bessie, you know nothing about the circumstances. You have heard of the purple stockings, but not of the diamonds.”
“Diamonds, Hez!” Mrs. Heckmondwyk started in her chair as if she had been electrified.
“I will show you the necklace,” said her husband. “The necklace and stockings go together. He who gets the one gets also the other. The diamonds are said to be worth fifteen hundred pounds.”
“My dear!” exclaimed Mrs. Heckmondwyke when the precious stones were shown her, sparkling in the gaslight. “Do you mean to tell me that Philip demands these? An old bachelor such as he! Oh, my dear Hez, promise me you will not give way.
Oh, I hope—no unworthy attachment! Oh, Hez! as you respect your ancestress, save them from profanation! Oh, Hez, do look how they become me!”
IV.
“Yes,” said Hezekiah to himself, “I can with clear conscience swear that the diamonds, I mean the stockings belong to me, were given to me by my father. I recall the circumstances minutely. After dinner I was talking about them to Bessie’s sister, and she expressed a wish to see them. I wrote a note to father and I remember distinctly the wording of that note, it was, ‘Dear Gov., may I have those valuables of my great-grandmother?’ And he sent them over, in reply to my note. May I have—I asked and he sent them, what was that but a gift?”
“Yes,” said Philip to himself,” I can with clear conscience swear that the diamonds, I mean the stockings were only lent to Hezekiah by my father. I have found the note in which my brother asked for them. Father never destroyed any letters. In that note, Hezekiah wrote ‘Dear Gov., may I have those valuables of my great-grandmother’s? Bessie’s sister Louisa is with us, and would like to see them.’ Distinctly he asked only for a temporary loan. Bessie’s sister Louisa was there, and desired to see them. That they should be returned when they had been shown, is implied. The case is clear as day.”
Thus began the case of Heckmondwyke versus Heckmondwyke, a case which was not ended in twelvemonth, no, nor in two. It was a long time
