Take it as a remembrance of her who loved you and who loves you still." I was still in my evening dress, and my neck was bare.

I slipped the chain, on which hung the stone, round my throat, and watched the strange gem with some curiosity.

In a few seconds a pale streak of fiery topaz flashed through it, which deepened and glowed into a warm crimson, like the heart of a red rose; and by the time it had become thoroughly warmed against my flesh, it glittered as brilliantly as ever.
"I will always wear it," I said earnestly.

"I believe it will bring me good fortune." "I believe it will," returned Heliobas simply.

"And now let us fulfil Zara's other commands." On our way across the hall we were stopped by the page, who brought us a message of inquiry after Zara's health from Colonel Everard and his wife, and also from the Challoners.