Gentola—I have been thinking of how beautiful all this is. The great apartment itself is exquisitely finished in various beautifully colored woods so richly, yet so daintily carved, that they match the loveliness of the Mosaic floor, which seems too fine for common use. These crystalline compartments, too, with their velvety linings and fine mouldings, containing this great collection of cut and uncut, set, and unset jewels, forms a spectacle beyond my ability to describe. In this first compartment are many gems of various tints of green, and how very beautiful they are. Are they not emeralds?
Hugh Miller—Yes, and they are very large and very fine gems. I am informed that Officials of a certain Rank wear emeralds as Insignia of their special dignity. For instance, the fillets worn by Zenesta̤, Inidora̤ and Genessano, are only worn by Governors of Provinces. Oh, yes, all who choose may wear the gems as ornaments, but only the fillets worn by governors are set in this peculiar style. No, the Supreme Ruler does not wear a Crown. His golden fillet of a certain width, richly ornamented with diamonds and sapphires, is the Badge of his high Office. As fillet gems, Princes and Princesses wear diamonds and rubies. Other persons of distinction wear their fillets variously gemmed. Yes, the fillet, its gems and style of setting, always denotes the Station of the wearer, in which there is no suggestion of caste or special privilege. But of this and other matters, you later on will learn more. By the Entoans diamonds are not regarded as being more valuable than are some other gems. Inidora̤ will offer you an explanation of the matter.
Inidora—The Irrigating and Waterways System starting at Camarissa̤, passes eastward until it emerges into Gandûlana̤ Loisa̤. The great work being completed to its western shore, immediately its eastern shore became a centre of ceaseless activity. Ere the lapse of many days a diamond deposit was discovered, which induced such a state of excitement that, for a time, work on the System was abandoned. In their eagerness to secure the gems, laborers set aside all other considerations and I well remember that such numbers of stones were found that dealers in the gems were threatened with financial ruin. Quickly the situation grew so serious that a General Council was convened, which resulted in our Supreme Ruler issuing an edict to the effect that all diamonds found in that locality should be the property of the government; that they should be sold at their value, and that the proceeds should be used toward defraying the cost of the Irrigating and Waterways System, which, as all persons knew, was for the general good. This ended the excitement and thereafter the work of the system proceeded uninterruptedly. During many years the Government worked the diamond deposit, and the accruing revenue greatly assisted in furthering the interests of the System. A time arrived when the deposit became exhausted, but that was after our parents, my brother and I had passed into our Spirit Realms. Never since the finding of such numbers of the gems have they, as previously, been valued beyond what you name the emerald, the ruby and some other fine gems.
Gentola—I never have much cared to possess jewels, but this display is so very beautiful that I cannot find words to express my admiration of it. Diamonds, diamonds, diamonds—glowing and scintillating like stars, and what a range of coloring they possess—blue, rose, yellow and various other hues, and all so beautiful. Do you think, sir, that on our Planet there are diamonds comparable in size, purity and coloring with these?
Hugh Miller—Yes, in size, purity and coloring, our planet possesses diamonds equal to the finest of these. Why not? The constituents of the two planets being exactly alike and conditions sufficiently similar, naturally the same causes that produced the crystallization of these beautiful gems, would be operative in the formation of the diamond and other gems of our planet. Yes, the diamond is pure carbon, and to my mind it is the most attractive of gems. We will now pass to the next compartment.
Gentola—Oh, how lovely, how very, very lovely. I am sure that those are rubies, and to my taste they are far more beautiful than diamonds. What a variety of shades of color—some pale to deep rose, from deepest rose to blood red and in their hearts is a glint of fire that makes them seem alive. I never have seen a ruby so large or so brilliant as that beautifully cut, unset stone on the white velvet cushion. How I should like to hold it in my hand.
De L'Ester—You may attempt it.
Gentola—Ah, I cannot lift it. Why is it that I cannot? I feel quite as substantial as when in my physical body, yet I cannot lift even that diminutive stone, which is no more than an inch in diameter.
De L'Ester—Your physical body has an affinity for matter on the physical plane. Your Spirit body has an affinity only for that which is Spiritual. Diamonds, rubies, indeed, all things are composites of matter and vitalizing spirit. At present, you attract only the spirit of things, but as you are not strong enough, we will form a battery, which will assist you to accomplish your desire. Friends, you will aid us. Now place your left hand on mine, your right hand under the stone and strongly desire that you shall hold in it the Spirit of the ruby. Try again, concentrate your will power, and—ah, that is well. Now slowly withdraw your hand, and lo, in your palm is the glowing Spirit of the rose hued gem, which in a moment must be returned to its home.
Gentola—This is a marvellous lesson. Now I better comprehend what you term the Spirit of things. How wondrously lovely is this glowing, palpitating Spirit gem. Why, really, it appears to possess life. Oh, must I so soon return it?