It had been a small brooch, worn on the bosom of many a proud MacIntyre dame, but never had it evoked such interest as when, set in a ring, it was displayed on Elise's little finger.
After that there was a general demand for a jeweller's catalogue which appeared in their midst about that time.

One page was devoted to illustrations of such stones with a rhyme for each month.

The firm which issued the catalogue would have been surprised at the rush of orders had they not had previous dealings with Girls' Schools.

The year before there had been almost as great a demand for tiny gold crosses, and the year before for huge silver horse-shoes.

This year the element of superstition helped to swell the orders.