"
Just at that moment, Mr. Montgomery, chancing to look toward the door,
was startled by seeing the entrance of Paul Hoffman. He saw that it
would be dangerous to carry the negotiation any farther and he quickly
gave a secret signal to his wife.
The hint was instantly understood and acted upon.
Mrs. Montgomery uttered a slight cry, and clung to her husband's arm.
"My dear," she said, "I feel one of my attacks coming on. Take me out
quickly.
"My wife is suddenly taken sick," said Mr. Montgomery, hurriedly.
"She is subject to fits. If you will give me the ring, I will return
to-morrow and negotiate for its sale."
"I am very sorry," said the clerk, with sympathy, handing back the ring.
"Can I get anything for the lady?"
"No, thank you. The best thing to do is to get her into the open air.
Thank you for your kindness."
"Let me help you," said the clerk, and coming from behind the counter he
took one arm of Mrs. Montgomery, who, leaning heavily on her husband and
the clerk, walked, or rather was carried, to the street door.
Of course, the attention of all within the store was drawn to the party.
"What was the matter?" inquired a fellow-clerk, as the salesman
returned.
"It was a clergyman from Connecticut, who wished to sell a diamond ring,
given to him for charitable purposes. His wife was taken suddenly sick.
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