"Yes, at some kinds, at pretty girls, for instance. I like to look at you, Miss Whitridge."

"What a very subtle compliment to be sure. Let us see which can find the first and best talisman. If you find the best I shall never forgive you."

"Then I'll not look for one."

"You must. That is the game. I won't play if you talk so."

"Very well, I'll look. What did you say they were like?"

"They are stones of one color with a circle of another color around them. That is, you may find a gray stone with a ring of white, or of darker gray, or of black, but the stone must be completely encircled; it isn't any good if it's not."

"And what's the good if it is?"

"It is a talisman."

"What's that?"

"It will bring you luck."