"Oho!" exclaimed Askerne, with a merry laugh, "these stones tell a story, my friend."
"A story!"
"Yes."
"How?"
"Is it possible that you don't know? Read their names; collect the initial letters, and tell me what they make?"
"Lapis-lazuli, opal, verde-antique, emerald, malachite, emerald."
"Well—what are these?"
"LOVE ME!" said Quentin, colouring with pleasure and surprise.
"The language of the stones seems new to you, Kennedy; but you are in luck, my friend. Who is the donor?"
"A dear, dear friend."