"Missing jewels? Hm, quite the conundrum..." Marley thought aloud, pacing across the lobby whilst grasping at his chin. His glittery gray eye passed over all manner of folk who milled about the hall - bankers and businessmen, sailors and tailors, scoundrels and streetwalkers. Even the children were inspected by his gaze, particularly the thin little lobby boy.
At last he returned to Mrs. Smith and spoke,
"Well Madame, I am but a humble gentleman. A dandy of sorts, though some would call me a scoundrel. But a gentleman seldom retreats from a challenge of wits, and in lieu of the proper authorities I shall do the best I can." he said, caressing her dainty little hand with a smile. Then, with a squeeze, he led them up the grand staircase towards her room and continued,
"Tell me, Mrs. Smith, what brings you to Silverdale? Just traveling, or did you and your husband have some business in mind?"