Page_0: "Lord Bafford, please forgive me for my absence at tonight's dinner. I have important business in town that cannot wait. But rest assured that we will discuss the matter of the scepter immediately upon my return.

I understand that the scepter was an important heirloom of your family, but you must also recognize that I bought it from a legitimate dealer. It has now become another item of my collection. How and from whom this dealer acquired the scepter is none of my concern. Please meet me in my study at midnight. If you still wish to purchase the scepter, I'm sure that we can make some agreement to our mutual satisfaction."