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LA PELEGRINA. 77
1707,
its story becomes confused and oftentimes contradictory. It is alleged
to have been given first to one favorite and then to another, while
finally as a climax of confusion another pearl in Spain, one in
Sardinia, and one in Moscow, impudently assume its name and masquerade
as the true and veritable Pelegrina.
Our
own inquiries both in Madrid and St. Petersburg have failed to supply
the links that are missing in its history. We cannot say when it
finally passed away from the crown of Spain, for there have been many
clearances of the royal jewels to meet the exigencies of various kings.
At all events, for the last thirty years it has been in the hands of a
Russian family. The Oussoupoffs belong to the ancient nobility and they
are extremely wealthy; but how and when the Princess Oussoupoff became
possessed of the Pelegrina we do not pretend to say. The friend who
made the inquiries for us said significantly that it was impossible to
ask many questions in Russia. Questions, however inno-
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