'So you see, Lord Canterville, I really can't allow anyone in my family to keep the jewels. British aristocrats might not be able to do without silly toys of this sort. But people who live in a Republic have a simple life where everyone knows what they should do and they do it. And things like these jewels are not suitable for us.'

'However, I should tell you that Virginia really would like to keep the box that the jewels came in. It will help her to remember your unlucky ancestor. It is a very old box, and it is damaged and not very valuable, so I hope that you will let her have it.'

'I am very surprised to find that a child of mine should have such old-fashioned idea. The only reason I can think of is that Virginia was born in one of your London suburbs shortly after Mrs Otis had come back from a trip to Athens. Maybe she picked up some of your British ideas when she was born.'

Lord Canterville listened very seriously to what Mr Otis had to say. He did not want to smile, but sometimes he could not help it, and at those times he pulled his grey moustache so that Mr Otis would not see him smiling.

When Mr Otis had finished talking, he shook his head and said, 'My dear sir, your lovely little daughter helped my unlucky ancestor very much.'

'I and my family owe her a lot for her great bravery and quick thinking. I am completely sure that the jewels are hers. I believe that if I was really cruel and took the jewels away from her, in a fortnight the wicked old ghost would come out of his grave, and make my life very difficult.'