Kenneth grew immediately grave. "Of course not, if you don't wish me to. I didn't realize that he was such a friend of yours. What have you there?"
Gwen ignored the first part of his speech. "I have a talisman. Mr. Mitchell has gone to find another for me."
"A talisman?" The young man took the stone she held out. "I'd like one."
"You can easily find it. They are quite plentiful."
"Your friend hasn't found one, it seems."
"That's because—I mean there may not be so many at the end where he is."
Kenneth stirred the loose stones with his foot. "Here is one," he said, stooping to pick up a small pebble.
"Good! You didn't have to search long. Now you have your wish. You possess a real talisman."
Kenneth tossed the pebble lightly from one hand to the other, as he looked off to sea. Presently he threw himself down by the girl's side and dropped the pebble into her lap. "Will you have it?" he said.
Gwen did not touch the stone. "But you have none," she answered.