He as much as hinted, under instigation, that he was entitled to defend her; and his claim being by-and-by yawningly allowed by Edward, and presuming that he now had Edward in his power and need not fear him, he exhibited his weakness in the guise of a costly gem, that he intended to present to Mrs.Lovell--an opal set in a cross pendant from a necklace; a really fine opal, coquetting with the lights of every gem that is known: it shot succinct red flashes, and green, and yellow; the emerald, the amethyst, the topaz lived in it, and a remote ruby; it was veined with lightning hues, and at times it slept in a milky cloud, innocent of fire, quite maidenlike.
"That will suit her," was Edward's remark.
"I didn't want to get anything common," said Algernon, making the gem play before his eyes.
"A pretty stone," said Edward.
"Do you think so ?" "Very pretty indeed." "Harlequin pattern." "To be presented to Columbine!" "The Harlequin pattern is of the best sort, you know.

Perhaps you like the watery ones best?
This is fresh from Russia.

There's a set I've my eye on.

I shall complete it in time.

I want Peggy Lovell to wear the jolliest opals in the world.