Hugh Miller—Yes, they are opals, in whose depths the Spirit of the gem glows like fire. Some persons regard these gems as uncanny. Some time I will tell you something uncanny concerning them. No, not now; it would be unwise. A sober-minded scientist would declare that it is through the arrangement of the silicious matter largely composing these gems that the iridescent effects are produced. Such an assertion would be but part of a fact. Spirit is infinite in its modes of expression, and were it withdrawn from those gems, bits of flint would be quite as valuable as those glowing, scintillating jewels, which are lovely enough to adorn the Crown of an Empress. Now, madame, what do you suppose these green gems are? Emeralds? No, they are beryls; and these are aqua marines; they are of the same family, the aqua marines being the transparent variety. Yes, both are pretty stones. In this adjoining compartment is an admirable collection of—but perhaps you know what they are.
Gentola—From their color I should think that they are topazes. I do not greatly admire yellow jewels.
Hugh Miller—Do not make the mistake of thinking that all topazes are yellow, for there are other colors of the same gem, but the pellucid yellow stone is considered the most desirable variety. These are garnets, and are fine specimens of the stone. Here are deep red ones holding in their hearts imprisoned flames and yellow stones like bits of sunshine. And here are green, brown and black varieties, all more or less attractive and useful for various purposes. The next compartment contains carbuncles and some of them are beautiful enough to grace a coronet. Yes, there is a resemblance between the carbuncle and the red garnet, but their qualities are dissimilar.
You have been shown this collection of jewels as a demonstration of their existence on this planet, and be assured that the Entoans, like our Earth peoples, regard them with high favor. For lack of time we cannot critically examine this wonderfully fine and comprehensive collection of stones and minerals, whose exact counterparts are portions of Earth's treasures.
You express surprise that this enormously valuable collection is not better protected against evil-minded persons. Perhaps Inidora̤ or Genessano may enlighten us as to that and other features pertaining to this department.
Inidora—Previous to the death of our father, he made known to my brother and me that he possessed a large and valuable collection of jewels which were the accumulations of generations of both his and our mother's ancestry, and that some of them, through certain associations, were especially prized. The ruby which Gentola̤ held in her palm belonged to our dear mother, who received it as a bridal gift from her mother, and it was worn sometimes on the arm or bosom, but generally as a brow ornament. Our maternal grandparents possessed a remarkably fine collection of gems, which, at their death, our dear mother, who was their only child, inherited, and as with our father gem collecting was a passion, and as he also had inherited many rarely fine gems, it came about that at his death my brother and I found ourselves possessed of these joint accumulations of Ento's most beautiful and valuable jewels. As neither my brother or I desired to marry, we entered into an agreement concerning them that was mutually satisfactory.
I need not more than refer to the desires and plans of our parents to found at Camarissa̤ a great Galarēsa̤ which should be of lasting benefit to the children of Ento. But I may say that our minds were as one in our desire to carry out their wishes, and that we might speedily accomplish our purpose, we resolved that our vast inheritance should be devoted to accomplishing the object so near our hearts. As we were young and inexperienced, we counselled with our Supreme Ruler, Tyvon Oiranza̤, who was a man of most generous views, and he encouraged and aided us in various ways. So with the enthusiasm of youth and with ample means at our command, we began to prepare for the inception of our work, and soon, to our boundless joy, we saw our cherished plans taking form. As the massive walls began to rise, our hearts were filled with exultation and as the great structure assumed proportions and the various outer departments began to environ it, we grew so excited, so absorbed, that we scarcely ate or slept. Day and night we counselled together and planned for the glory and usefulness of the Institution which for all time should stand as a reminder of our honored and adored parents. As though it were but yesterday, I recall the last conversation between my brother and myself relating to this Galarēsa̤. The day had been sultry and the darkening clouds gave intimation of a storm, but in our eagerness to hasten the work we had labored until the day was nearly ended, and as we slowly walked toward our nearby home, the lurid Sun was dropping below the further shore of Indoloisa̤'s quiet waters. Suddenly Genessano passed an arm about my shoulders, and in a voice tremulous from emotion, said, "Inidora̤, what if death should come to one or both of us ere our work shall be completed? May Andûmana̤ preserve us, for what should I do shouldst thou be taken and I left? Should I be taken, thy wisdom would suffice for thy needs, but I, alas! I dare not further speak of it."
As we gazed into each others' startled faces tears filled our eyes, and sadly, silently, we entered our home, the dread shadow of Phra (death) falling over our hearts like a pall. But I strove to be courageous, and at once set about arranging our affairs so that should Phra, at an untimely hour, claim me, Genessano would understand my wishes which I well knew he would make his own. Ere long Genessano was left to execute our mutual wishes which he did with faithfulness and zeal. Heavy hearted he labored until death claimed him, and to others was left the fulfillment of our plans. That they did so faithfully and efficiently no one can question.
Concerning the security of the gems, I have only to say that the Galarēsa̤ and all pertaining to it belongs to the peoples of Ento and they are not so foolish or so evil minded as to despoil their own possessions.