The Case of the Sharp-Eyed Jeweller, English Literature, Class VIII, DAVCMC Board, The Best Solutions. 

Pre-Reading Task

1. Observe the given picture carefully. Can you make some guesses about the man in the picture by observing him?

Answer:
Looking at the picture, the man appears to be in his mid-forties. He is wearing a trench coat and a hat, suggesting that he might be a detective. He has a serious expression, and his eyes seem sharp and observant. The way he holds power glass and observing the wine glass, I suppose he may be taking notes or gathering information secretly.

2. Discuss with your friends and list a few qualities that a good detective should possess.

Answer:
Qualities of a good detective:

• Observant: Notices small details that others often miss.
• Analytical thinker: Able to connect clues logically and solve puzzles.
• Patient: Willing to wait and watch without rushing to conclusions.
• Courageous: Faces dangerous situations bravely.
• Good communicator: Can ask the right questions and interact with different types of people.
• Trustworthy: Keeps secrets and handles sensitive information carefully.
• Quick-witted: Thinks fast in challenging situations.
• Sharp memory: Remembers faces, places, and details accurately.

3. Have you ever observed strangers while travelling in a train or at a bus stop? Narrate any such incident when you could make some guesses about a stranger by observing them.

Answer:
Yes, I once observed a man at a railway station who seemed quite nervous. He was constantly looking at his watch, pacing back and forth, and checking his phone. He was also dressed very formally, carrying a file in his hand. From his anxious behaviour and attire, I guessed he might be heading for an important interview or meeting. Later, I overheard him speaking on the phone, and it turned out he was indeed going to a job interview and was worried about missing the train. It was interesting to see how much a person’s body language can reveal about their situation.

Word Meaning

Summary (English): The Case of the Sharp-Eyed Jeweller

“The Jeweller’s Assistant” is a story about a young man working in a jeweller’s shop. One day, a suspicious-looking customer enters the shop and hands over a packet to the assistant, asking him to show it to the jeweller. The customer appears nervous and keeps chewing gum, behaving oddly. The assistant observes his strange behaviour and suspects something is wrong. He quickly informs the jeweller. The jeweller checks the packet and finds it contains imitation jewellery, not real gold.

The assistant notices that the man is chewing gum strangely, and when asked to spit it out, he refuses. This increases their suspicion. Eventually, they force the man to spit out the gum, and inside it, they find the real gold brooch hidden! The man was trying to deceive them by replacing the real jewellery with fake and hiding the real one in his mouth. The assistant’s alertness and common-sense help prevent the theft.

The story teaches the value of vigilance, presence of mind, and honesty.

सारांश (हिन्दी):

“द ज्वेलर्‍स असिस्टेंट” कहानी एक युवा व्यक्ति की है जो एक जौहरी की दुकान में सहायक के रूप में काम करता है। एक दिन, एक संदिग्ध दिखने वाला ग्राहक दुकान में आता है और एक पैकेट सहायक को देता है ताकि वह उसे जौहरी को दिखा दे। वह आदमी बहुत घबराया हुआ लगता है और लगातार च्यूइंग गम चबा रहा होता है, उसका व्यवहार बहुत अजीब होता है।

सहायक उसकी हरकतों पर ध्यान देता है और कुछ गड़बड़ी का शक करता है। वह तुरंत जौहरी को सूचित करता है। जब जौहरी पैकेट खोलता है, तो उसमें नकली आभूषण (इमीटेशन ज्वेलरी) निकलते हैं। सहायक देखता है कि आदमी बहुत अजीब तरह से च्यूइंग गम चबा रहा है, और जब उसे गम थूकने के लिए कहा जाता है, तो वह मना कर देता है। इससे उनकी शंका और बढ़ जाती है।

आखिरकार जब उसे गम थूकने के लिए मजबूर किया जाता है, तो उसके अंदर से असली सोने का ब्रोच (जवाहरात) निकलता है! वह आदमी धोखा देने की कोशिश कर रहा था और असली गहना अपने मुँह में छुपा रखा था। सहायक की सतर्कता और समझदारी से यह चोरी रोक ली जाती है।

यह कहानी हमें सतर्कता, समझदारी और ईमानदारी के महत्त्व को सिखाती है।

Understanding the Story

A. Each statement given below contains a word/phrase, which makes it false. Underline the wrong word/phrase and rewrite the correct statement in the space provided.

1. The narrator owns the Regnier’s jewellery shop.

Answer – The narrator works at the Regnier’s jewellery shop.

2. The Regnier’s sells high-priced modern jewellery.

Answer – The Regnier’s sells antique jewellery.

3. The young woman standing on the opposite side of the Regnier’s was staring at the displayed jewellery.

Answer – The young woman was looking away from the displayed jewellery.

4. The narrator showed the American five trays of rings in all.

Answer – The narrator showed the American three trays of rings in all.

5. The young woman said she had come to the Regnier’s to sell her filigree brooch.

Answer – The young woman said she had come to the Regnier’s to pawn her filigree brooch.

6. The young woman hid the flower ring in the right pocket of her purse.

Answer – The young woman hid the flower ring in the left pocket of her purse.

B. Answer the following questions in about 30 words each.

1. ‘My hobby is perhaps a little out of the ordinary. What is the narra hobby? Why does he consider it ‘out of the ordinary’?

Answer – The narrator’s hobby is collecting jewellery, specifically antique pieces. He considers it “out of the ordinary” because most people do not take such an interest in old, rare jewellery.

2. Why did the narrator find the behaviour of the woman standing outside the Regnier’s strange?

Answer – The narrator found the woman’s behavior strange because she was nervously staring at the shop from a distance and didn’t seem like a regular customer, which made her stand out.

3. ‘Her arrival at this moment struck me as rather strange. Why did the narrator find the young lady’s arrival at that point of time strange?

Answer – The narrator found her arrival strange because she appeared suddenly, just as he was looking for a customer to help, and her actions seemed out of place for a normal visitor.

4. Do you think the young lady had accidentally dropped the paper in which her brooch was wrapped? If not, why did she do so?

Answer – No, the young lady did not accidentally drop the paper. She deliberately dropped it to create a diversion, hoping that no one would notice the missing brooch.

5. Where did the narrator find the ring from? How did he know it would be there?

Answer – The narrator found the ring in the young woman’s purse, in the left pocket. He knew it would be there because he had noticed her strange behavior and suspected she had hidden it.

C. William Morris noticed certain things about the American and the young lady that put them under suspicion and finally helped him in solving the mystery of the missing ring. Complete the web chart below by filling in the blurbs the observations that the narrator made about the two.

Answer- Students will do this at their own understanding.

D. On the basis of your reading of the story , complete the flow chart by filling in the correct sequence of the events.

Answer –  Morris observes a young woman standing in front of the undertaker’s.
Sequence – Morris notices her looking at the shop, seeming nervous, but she does not enter immediately.

An American customer asks for rings.
Sequence – The American customer enters the shop and inquires about the rings, showing interest in a particular type of jewellery.

Mr. Regnier takes the American to come out of the former’s office.
Sequence – Mr. Regnier, the shop owner, leads the American customer from his office to show him the rings.

The lady ‘accidentally’ drops the paper in which her brooch was wrapped.
Sequence – The young woman intentionally drops the paper with her brooch, which catches Morris’s attention.

Sequence – Morris picks up the brooch and realizes its significance.
Sequence – Morris, after inspecting the brooch, recognizes it as a valuable item, leading to his suspicion about the woman.

Mr. Regnier and the American come out of the former’s office.
Morris gives the ring back to Mr. Regnier.

E. What impression do you form of William Morris? (About 80 words)

Answer – William Morris appears to be a keen observer and a man of integrity. He is intelligent and perceptive, as evidenced by his careful attention to the details of the young woman’s actions. Despite being in a position where he could have been fooled, Morris shows a sense of responsibility by recognizing the woman’s intentions and returning the valuable ring to Mr. Regnier. His actions reflect honesty and a strong moral compass, suggesting that he is both thoughtful and principled.

HOTS

1. ‘Intelligence is using common sense to the full.’ Discuss with reference to the story.

Answer – In the story, William Morris shows that intelligence is not only about knowledge but also about sharp observation and applying common sense. He notices small yet unusual details — like the woman’s lack of mourning attire and her strange behaviour — and connects them logically. By trusting his instincts and calmly confirming his doubts, he is able to uncover a planned theft without causing a scene. His actions prove that quick thinking and careful judgment can outsmart even clever criminals.

1. ‘But she was not wearing black or any other sign of mourning.’

(a) Why is ‘black’ considered to be a sign of mourning?

Answer – Black is traditionally worn during mourning in many cultures to symbolize grief, loss, and respect for the deceased. It represents solemnity and sorrow.

(b) Why do you think some people wear ‘white’ also for the

Answer – In cultures like Indian or Chinese traditions, white symbolizes purity and peace. It is worn to honour the soul of the departed and to express detachment from worldly life during mourning.

(c) Should colour be given more importance or heartfelt same reason? feelings?

Answer – Heartfelt feelings should be given more importance than the color of clothing. True mourning is an emotional experience and cannot be measured by what someone wears. Sincerity and respect matter more than outward appearance.

Life Skills

1. Why did William Morris make a sign to Miss Susskind before speaking to the American about the flower ring?

Answer – It was important to be certain that the ring was truly stolen and not misplaced. A false accusation could have harmed the store’s reputation and created legal issues. Confirming the theft before informing the insurance company ensured responsible and professional handling of the situation.

1. Why was it important to conduct a thorough search on the American before reporting the matter to the Insurance Company?

Answer – They were not handed over to the police because the jeweller prioritized discretion and possibly wanted to avoid negative publicity. Also, since the ring was recovered and no actual financial loss occurred, they may have chosen to let the matter go quietly to preserve the store’s image.

1. Why were the American and his accomplice not handed over to the police?

Answer – They were not handed over to the police because the jeweller prioritized discretion and possibly wanted to avoid negative publicity. Also, since the ring was recovered and no actual financial loss occurred, they may have chosen to let the matter go quietly to preserve the store’s image.

Value

Miss Susskind is mostly seen to be calm and composed throughout the story. She does not react impulsively. Do you think she is right in doing so? Why/ Why not?

Answer – Yes, Miss Susskind is right in staying calm and composed throughout the story. Her calm demeanour helps her assess the situation without panic or hasty reactions. If she had reacted impulsively, it could have drawn attention to her suspicions, allowing the thief to escape or destroy evidence. By remaining composed, Miss Susskind was able to carefully observe the behaviour of the American customer and his accomplice, which ultimately helped in foiling their plan. Her self-control and measured response made it easier for her to handle the situation tactfully and discreetly, leading to the successful recovery of the stolen ring. In such a delicate scenario, being calm and thoughtful is definitely the right approach.

Writing Skills

Imagine yourself to be the young lady. Write a diary entry relating how the jeweller’s vigilant assistant foiled your well-made plan to steal the ring.

Answer – Diary Entry

Date: 00.00.0000

Time – 09.00PM

What a day! I thought everything was going smoothly — the plan was perfect. The shop assistant at Regnier’s didn’t seem suspicious at first. I played my part well, pretending to look at the rings, and even dropped the paper wrapping to start my act. Then came the perfect distraction — the loud American. I saw the flower ring, exactly as planned, and slipped it into my purse.

But just as I was about to leave, something felt off. That assistant, William Morris — so alert, so silent — looked at me sharply. I could tell he knew. The next thing I knew, he asked me to wait and then recovered the ring as if he had known where I kept it. I never imagined someone could notice so much from across the street.

He didn’t shout. No police. But the shame of being silently exposed was worse. My plan failed — and all because of a watchful assistant who trusted his instincts.

Never again.

Additional Questions and Answers

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers

1. What is the name of the jeweller’s assistant in the story?
2. a) Edgar Allan Poe
3. b) William Morris
4. c) Mr. Regnier
5. d) Miss Susskind

Answer: b) William Morris

2. What is William Morris’s hobby?
3. a) Watching birds
4. b) Studying crime and criminals
5. c) Collecting antique jewellery
6. d) Reading romance novels

Answer: b) Studying crime and criminals

3. Where does William Morris work?
4. a) At a bookstore
5. b) At Regnier’s jewellery shop
6. c) At an undertaker’s shop
7. d) At a detective agency

Answer: b) At Regnier’s jewellery shop

4. What type of jewellery does Regnier’s sell?
5. a) Modern and affordable jewellery
6. b) Antique jewellery for the rich
7. c) Imitation jewellery
8. d) Custom-made jewellery

Answer: b) Antique jewellery for the rich

5. Who are the principal customers of Regnier’s?
6. a) Middle-class families
7. b) Millionaires and film stars
8. c) Local shopkeepers
9. d) Students and teachers

Answer: b) Millionaires and film stars

6. What did William notice about the American man’s appearance?
7. a) He had a quiet demeanour
8. b) He was chewing gum and had a colourful tie
9. c) He was dressed in black
10. d) He wore glasses

Answer: b) He was chewing gum and had a colourful tie

7. How old did William estimate the American to be?
8. a) Twenty-five
9. b) Thirty
10. c) Thirty-five
11. d) Forty

Answer: c) Thirty-five

8. What item did the American show interest in first?
9. a) A diamond necklace
10. b) A flower ring
11. c) A ruby bracelet
12. d) A turquoise brooch

Answer: b) A flower ring

9. What did the American complain about the flower ring?
10. a) Its design
11. b) Its color
12. c) Its price
13. d) Its size

Answer: c) Its price

10. Where did the flower ring disappear from?
11. a) The counter
12. b) The safe
13. c) A tray on the counter
14. d) The shop window

Answer: c) A tray on the counter

11. What did Miss Susskind suggest checking for the missing ring?
12. a) The American’s pockets
13. b) The turn-ups of his trousers
14. c) The shop floor
15. d) The safe

Answer: b) The turn-ups of his trousers

12. How did the American react to Miss Susskind’s suggestion?
13. a) He laughed it off
14. b) He turned red and looked angry
15. c) He ignored her
16. d) He apologized

Answer: b) He turned red and looked angry

13. What did the young woman bring to the shop?
14. a) A diamond ring
15. b) A filigree brooch
16. c) A ruby necklace
17. d) A gold bracelet

Answer: b) A filigree brooch

14. What did the young woman ask William to do with her brooch?
15. a) Sell it
16. b) Mend it
17. c) Appraise it
18. d) Clean it

Answer: b) Mend it

15. What did William notice about the young woman’s handbag and clothes?
16. a) They were brand new
17. b) They were expensive but old and worn
18. c) They were cheap and colourful
19. d) They were stolen

Answer: b) They were expensive but old and worn

16. How did the young woman use her hands that caught William’s attention?
17. a) She used her left hand to take out the brooch but was not left-handed
18. b) She used both hands to open her bag
19. c) She used her right hand to pick up the paper
20. d) She kept her hands in her pockets

Answer: a) She used her left hand to take out the brooch but was not left-handed

17. Where did William find the chewing gum?
18. a) On the floor
19. b) Under the edge of the counter
20. c) In the safe
21. d) In the young woman’s bag

Answer: b) Under the edge of the counter

18. How did the American hide the ring?
19. a) In his pocket
20. b) In his shoe
21. c) Pressed into the chewing gum
22. d) In his bag

Answer: c) Pressed into the chewing gum

19. What did William threaten to do if the young woman didn’t stop?
20. a) Call the police
21. b) Press the alarm to lock the door
22. c) Search her bag
23. d) Close the shop

Answer: b) Press the alarm to lock the door

20. How did Mr. Regnier react when William showed him the recovered ring?
21. a) He was angry
22. b) He was astonished, joyful, and thankful
23. c) He was indifferent
24. d) He was suspicious

Answer: b) He was astonished, joyful, and thankful

Short Questions andAnswers

1. Question: What is the name of the jeweller’s assistant?

Answer: William Morris.

2. Question: What is William Morris’s hobby?

Answer: Studying crime and criminals.

3. Question: Where does William Morris work?

Answer: At Regnier’s jewellery shop.

4. Question: What type of jewellery does Regnier’s sell?

Answer: Antique jewellery for the rich.

5. Question: Who are Regnier’s principal customers?

Answer: Millionaires and film stars.

6. Question: What did William notice about the American man’s appearance?

Answer: He was chewing gum and had a colorful tie.

7. Question: How old did William estimate the American to be?

Answer: Thirty-five.

8. Question: What item did the American show interest in first?

Answer: A flower ring.

9. Question: What did the American complain about the flower ring?

Answer: Its price.

10. Question: Where did the flower ring disappear from?

Answer: A tray on the counter.

11. Question: What did Miss Susskind suggest checking for the ring?

Answer: The turn-ups of the American’s trousers.

12. Question: How did the American react to Miss Susskind’s suggestion?

Answer: He turned red and looked angry.

13. Question: What did the young woman bring to the shop?

Answer: A filigree brooch.

14. Question: What did the young woman ask William to do with her brooch?

Answer: Mend it.

15. Question: What did William notice about the young woman’s handbag and clothes?

Answer: They were expensive but old and worn.

16. Question: How did the young woman use her hands that caught William’s attention?

Answer: She used her left hand to take out the brooch but was not left-handed.

17. Question: Where did William find the chewing gum?

Answer: Under the edge of the counter.

18. Question: How did the American hide the ring?

Answer: Pressed into the chewing gum.

19. Question: What did William threaten to do if the young woman didn’t stop?

Answer: Press the alarm to lock the door.

20. Question: How did Mr. Regnier react when William showed the ring?

Answer: He was astonished, joyful, and thankful.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion) and Answers

1. Question:

   Assertion (A): William Morris suspected the American of theft from the beginning. 

   Reason (R): The American’s behaviour and lack of knowledge about antique jewellery were unusual for Regnier’s customers. 

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. c) A is true, but R is false.
4. d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

   Explanation: The assertion is true as William suspected the American—“he seemed a strange customer for us”—as the story notes. The reason explains this by detailing his unusual behavior—“didn’t know a thing about jewellery”—and mismatch with Regnier’s clientele, as the story states, directly linking his suspicion to the American’s actions, supporting the assertion.

2. Question:

   Assertion (A): The young woman was part of the theft plan with the American. 

   Reason (R): She used her left hand to pick up the ring hidden in the gum, despite not being left-handed. 

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. c) A is true, but R is false.
4. d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

   Explanation: The assertion is true as the young woman was involved, retrieving the ring—“gave me the ring”—as the story notes. The reason explains this by detailing her deliberate use of her left hand—“she took the packet… with her left hand”—to take the ring from the gum, as the story describes, directly showing her role in the plan, supporting the assertion.

3. Question:

   Assertion (A): William’s observation skills helped recover the stolen ring. 

   Reason (R): He noticed the American’s chewing gum habits and the young woman’s inconsistent hand usage. 

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. c) A is true, but R is false.
4. d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

   Explanation: The assertion is true as William’s observations led to recovering the ring—“I opened my hand and showed the ring”—as the story notes. The reason explains this by detailing his observations—“he had stopped chewing his gum” and “she took the packet… with her left hand”—as the story states, directly linking his skills to solving the theft, supporting the assertion.

4. Question:

   Assertion (A): The young woman’s actions were suspicious to William. 

   Reason (R): She spent a long time outside the undertaker’s shop and brought a cheap brooch to Regnier’s. 

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. c) A is true, but R is false.
4. d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

   Explanation: The assertion is true as William found her actions suspicious—“her coming in… struck me as rather strange”—as the story notes. The reason explains this by detailing her behavior—“standing… looking at the funeral display” and bringing a “filigree brooch… worth about thirty shillings”—as the story states, directly showing why her actions raised suspicion, supporting the assertion.

5. Question:

   Assertion (A): The American tried to distract William during the theft. 

   Reason (R): He kept asking to see more trays of rings and complained about prices. 

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. c) A is true, but R is false.
4. d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

   Explanation: The assertion is true as the American distracted William—“I turned to take the tray out of the safe”—allowing the theft, as the story notes. The reason explains this by detailing his actions—“asked to see some other rings” and “complained that the price was too high”—as the story states, directly showing how he kept William occupied, supporting the assertion.

Long Questions and Answers (80-90 words)

1. Question: How does William Morris’s hobby of studying crime contribute to his success in foiling the theft at Regnier’s?

Answer: William’s hobby of studying crime sharpens his observational skills, enabling him to foil the theft, as the story illustrates. His study of crime stories—“from Edgar Allan Poe to Agatha Christie”—as the story notes, hones his ability to connect clues, as “put two or more facts together” shows, leading him to notice the American’s suspicious behavior and the young woman’s inconsistent actions, as the story details. This knowledge helps him deduce the ring’s hiding place in the gum—“where else could he have put it”—as the story states, ensuring its recovery, as his success demonstrates.

2. Question: Discuss the significance of William’s observation skills in the story, and how they reflect his character as a jeweller’s assistant.

Answer: William’s observation skills are crucial, as he notices the American’s gum-chewing and the young woman’s hand usage—“she took the packet… with her left hand”—as the story notes, reflecting his meticulous character, as “nothing ever escapes my sharp eye” indicates. These skills allow him to uncover the theft—“I found the gum just where I had expected”—as the story states, showcasing his diligence and intelligence, as his hobby of studying crime suggests, making him an exceptional jeweller’s assistant, as his success in recovering the ring demonstrates, highlighting his vigilance.

3. Question: Analyse the teamwork between William and Miss Susskind, and how it aids in resolving the theft incident at Regnier’s.

Answer: William and Miss Susskind’s teamwork is pivotal in resolving the theft, as their coordinated actions ensure the ring’s recovery, as the story illustrates. William signals Miss Susskind—“I made a sign to Miss Susskind”—and she supports him by suggesting to check the American’s turn-ups, as the story notes, creating a distraction, as “she came and stood beside me” shows. Her calm presence—“stood there perfectly calm”—complements William’s strategy to confront the young woman, as the story states, ensuring the ring is returned, as their combined efforts demonstrate, highlighting their effective collaboration.

4. Question: Explore the theme of vigilance in the story, and how William embodies this trait to protect Regnier’s reputation.

Answer: Vigilance is a key theme, embodied by William, who protects Regnier’s reputation through his keen observations, as the story illustrates. His habit—“nothing ever escapes my sharp eye”—allows him to spot the American’s odd behaviour and the young woman’s suspicious actions, as the story notes, preventing the theft, as “I knew what had happened to the flower ring” shows. His proactive threat—“I shall press the alarm”—ensures the ring’s return, as the story states, safeguarding Regnier’s prestige, as Mr. Regnier’s gratitude reflects, demonstrating how vigilance upholds integrity in a high-stakes environment.

5. Question: How does the story use the contrast between the American’s appearance and his actions to build suspense around the theft?

Answer: The story contrasts the American’s loud appearance—“tie in so many bright colours”—with his deceptive actions, building suspense, as the story illustrates. His stereotypical traits—“gum-chewing American”—suggest innocence, as the story notes, but his lack of knowledge—“didn’t know a thing about jewellery”—and sudden anger—“turned on her with a very ugly look”—create unease, as the story describes. This contrast keeps William alert, as “he seemed a strange customer” indicates, leading to the discovery of the theft—“pressed the ring into the gum”—as the story reveals, heightening tension through the disparity between expectation and reality.

6. Question: Discuss the role of the young woman in the theft, and how her actions reveal her involvement in the crime.

Answer: The young woman plays a crucial role in the theft, retrieving the ring hidden by the American, as the story illustrates. Her prolonged loitering—“standing… for such a long time”—and bringing a cheap brooch—“worth about thirty shillings”—to Regnier’s, as the story notes, signal her intent, as William observes, “she had come with something to sell” suggests deceit. Her deliberate use of her left hand—“took the packet… with her left hand”—to take the ring, as the story states, confirms her involvement, as her pale, frightened reaction when confronted reveals, exposing her complicity.

7. Question: How does Mr. Regnier’s reaction to the theft reflect the stakes involved for Regnier’s, and what does it reveal about his character?

Answer: Mr. Regnier’s reaction—“white as a sheet” and “voice was shaking”—reflects the high stakes for Regnier’s, as the story notes, where a theft could damage its reputation among elite clients, as “famous for antique jewellery” indicates. His initial calm—“doing his best to keep calm”—and apology to the American—“I beg your pardon”—show his professionalism, as the story states, while his joy—“astonishment, joy and thankfulness”—at the ring’s recovery reveals his relief, as the story describes, portraying him as a dedicated owner who values integrity and customer trust above all, as his gratitude to William underscores.

8. Question: Examine the narrative technique of using William’s perspective to solve the crime, and how it engages the reader in the mystery.

Answer: The narrative uses William’s perspective to solve the crime, engaging the reader by revealing his thought process, as the story illustrates. His observations—“nothing ever escapes my sharp eye”—and deductions—“all the facts suddenly came together”—as the story notes, draw the reader into the mystery, as “why has he come to us?” builds suspense. His step-by-step reasoning—“where else could he have put it”—and discovery of the gum, as the story states, allow the reader to follow the clues, as his final reveal of the ring creates satisfaction, enhancing engagement through his analytical lens.