Paul Quentin by Fred M. White — Read

"There are copies," Bassano said evasively, "copies so wonderfully true that even the greatest experts are deceived. There are only two authentic Dragon Vases in existence. I am speaking, of course, subject to correction. Nobody knows what treasures are hidden in the palaces in China; probably nobody ever will know, in our lifetime at least. Some time ago Lord Passmore was telling me of a marvellous Dragon Vase in the possession of his friend, Mr Pearson. I begged to doubt the genuineness of this article and Lord Passmore described it at length. Then I was able to tell him that the work was my own. It does not matter whom I executed it for; it does not matter whether it was intended to pass for a copy or whether it was to be sold to some collector with plenty of wealth but little art knowledge. But if you examine the Dragon Vase in Miss Pearson's drawing-room you will find a certain mark under the paste in the lid which I have made peculiarly my own. There are half-a-dozen dealers on the Continent who would be ready to swear to this. Oh, I do not seek to excuse my conduct. I despise money for its own sake, but I know neither peace nor happiness without it. There have been times when I was prepared to do anything for money, and probably there will be again. No doubt, in time to come, when I am rich and famous, these ghosts will rise up against me. But there is the chance that I may be able to buy them up and destroy them, even if I give twenty times their value. You see----"

Dugdale waved his hand impatiently.