Somerset Maugham Mr. Know All

Dear Emily,

We were at dinner the other night and I wore the pearls that Robert had given me last Christmas. I knew that it was risky to do so but I swear to God that I couldn’t resist it! They looked so beautiful lying in that little velvet box and as soon as I set my eyes on them I knew that I had to have them around my neck. They reminded me so much of my dear Robert.

We were chatting idly when the subject of pearls came up. One of the ship’s passengers who was sitting at our table went by the name of Mr. Kelada. He revealed to us that he was an expert in that field and could instantly tell the difference between the genuine ones and the cheap imitations.

It was obvious to me from the beginning that Elmer and Mr. Kelada did not get along very well. They are both very proud men and sure of themselves and what they say. A heated argument ensued, and both men wanted to prove that he was superior to the other. They were quarrelling vehemently and their face...