It was a matter of common knowledge in
Lisbon that 50 per cent. of the ducal silver spoons and forks had
left the house in the pockets of his Grace's guests, who doubtless
wished to preserve a slight memento of so pleasant an evening.
In a certain Balkan State which I will refrain from naming, the
inhabitants are also confirmed souvenir-hunters. At a dinner-party
at the British Legation in this nameless State, one of the
Diplomatic ladies was wearing a very fine necklace of pearls and
enamel. A native of the State admired this necklace immensely, and
begged for permission to examine it closer. The Diplomat's wife
very unwisely unfastened her pearl necklace, and it was passed
around from hand to hand, amidst loud expressions of admiration at
its beautiful workmanship. At the end of dinner the Diplomatic
lady requested that her necklace might be returned to her, but it
was not forthcoming; no one knew anything about it. The British
Minister, who thought that he understood the people of the
country, rose to the occasion. Getting up from his chair, he said
with a smile, "We have just witnessed a very clever and very
amusing piece of legerdemain.
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