P. G. Wodehouse

“ Jimmy was glad of it. He wanted to think this thing over.
From where he sat, he had an excellent view of the rope of pearls which was tugging him back to his old ways. And when he looked at them he could not see Molly, The thing was symbolical. It must be one or the other. He was at the crossroads, The affair was becoming a civil war. He felt like a rudderless boat between two currents. Fight years of gem collecting do not leave a man without a deep-rooted passion for the sport. ”

“ Her dress was of unrelieved black, and formed a wonderfully effective foil to the gems. It was not a rope of pearls. It was a collar. Her neck was covered with them. There was something Oriental and barbaric in the overwhelming display of jewelry. And this suggestion of the East was emphasized by the wearer's regal carriage. Lady Blunt knew when she looked well. She did not hold herself like one apologizing for venturing to exist.
Jimmy stared hungrily across the table. The room was empty to him but for that gleaming mass of gems. ”

“ After all, they are one of the hardest-working classes in existence. They toil while everybody else is asleep. They are generally thorough sportsmen. Besides, a burglar is only a practical socialist, Philosophers talk a lot about the redistribution of wealth. The burglar goes out and does it. I have found burglars some of the decentest criminals I have ever met. Out of business hours they are charming.”
“I despise burglars!” ejaculated Lady Blunt, with a suddenness which stopped Jimmy's eloquence as if a tap had been turned off. ”