The other gifts of jewelry were a moonstone ring to Mildred, from her husband, and a sardonyx from Mr. Dinsmore to Rose.
These four happening to be grouped together with Mr. Travilla, Annis, and Elsie, Mildred said, looking down at her new ring, which her husband had just slipped upon her finger, “This is very pretty, my dear; but had you any motive for selecting this particular kind of stone? Precious stones are said to have a language as well as flowers, are they not?”
“Yes, and moonstone is said to protect from harm and danger,” returned the doctor, laughingly.
“And sardonyx?” asked Rose.
“Insures conjugal felicity,” replied her husband, with a fond look into her sweet face.
“O Mr. Travilla! what’s the language of this?—opal is it?” asked Elsie.
“Yes, my little friend, it is an opal, and is said to denote hope and to sharpen the faith and sight of the possessor.”
“Thank you!” she exclaimed heartily, gazing down at it with a pleased, happy face.
“And what is the language of pearls?” asked Annis, looking admiringly at hers.
“Purity, and they are said to give clearness to both physical and mental vision.”