46 CYMBELINE.

my finger,” which was the very ring Imogen had given him at parting,
“that my wife will keep all her vows to me, and that you will never
persuade her to do otherwise.”

So Jachimo wagered half his estate against the ring on Leonatus’
finger, and started forthwith to Britain with a letter of introduction to
Leonatus’s wife. When he reached there he was received with all kind-
ness ; but he was still determined to win his wager.

He told Imogen that her husband thought no more of her, and went
on to tell many cruel lies about him. Imogen listened at first, but
presently perceived what a wicked person Iachimo was, and ordered him
to leave her. Then he said—

“Pardon me, fair lady, all that I have said is untrue. I only told
you this to see whether you would believe me, or whether you were as
much to be trusted as your husband thinks. Will you forgive me?”

“T forgive you freely,” said Imogen.

“Then,” went on Iachimo, “perhaps you will prove it by taking
charge of a trunk, containmg a number of jewels which your husband
and I and some other gentlemen have bought as a present for the
Emperor of Rome.”

“T will indeed,” said Imogen, “do anything for my husband and a
friend of my husband’s. Have the jewels sent into my room, and I will
take care of them.”

“Tt is only for one night,” said Iachimo, “ for I leave Britain again
to-morrow.”

So the
trunk was
carried into
Imogen’s
room, and
- that night
she went to

- bed and to
Av seep When
she was fast

asleep, the
lid of the