She was an angel unawares, for she showed me myself as you saw me, a drone in the hive, with no ambition, and the gambling fever in my veins making a fool of me.

I went away vowing I would win back your respect and make myself worthy of your friendship, and I can say honestly that I have kept that vow.

Soon after, while I was out on that first surveying trip I came across some unset stones for a mere song.

This little turquoise was among them." He took the tiny stone from his pocket and held it out on his palm, so that the light streaming out from the library fell across it.
"I have carried it ever since.

Many a time it has reminded me of you and your good opinion I was trying to win back.