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 A Ring of Ill-Omen Alphonso XII, king of Spain, had a splendid ring made. It was set with costly diamonds and pearls. He gave the ring to his cousin, Mercedes, the day they were betrothed. Mercedes lived but a short time after that. After the death of Mercedes the valuable ring was given to Alphonso’s grandmother who died soon afterward . Then the king gave the ring to his sister, who died within a month. The ring was next worn by Christiene, the daughter of the Duke of Montpensier. In less than  days this lady was also dead. Alphonso then locked up the ring in his own casket and inside of a year the king himself was summoned by the grim reaper. The jewel was then placed around the neck of the statue of the Maid of Almadena, the patron saint of Madrid, where it still remains. It may be seen by everyone who passes. It is very valuable but no one dares to take it, so it is safe where it hangs in the public street. ...

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