"There are gods enough in it to be divine," said Rose, taking it from
Lu's hand and bringing it back to me. "All those very Gnostic deities
who assisted at Creation. You are not afraid that the imprisoned things
work their spells upon you? The oracle declares it suits your cousin
best," he added, in a lower tone.
"All the oaf knows!" I responded. "I wish you'd admire it, Mr. Dudley.
Mr. Rose don't like amber,--handles it like nettles."
"No," said Rose, "I don't like amber."
"He prefers aqua-marina," I continued. "Lu, produce yours!" For she had
not heard him.
"Yes," said Mr. Dudley, rubbing his finger over his lip while he gazed,
"every one must prefer aqua-marina."
"Nonsense! It's no better than glass. I'd as soon wear a set of
window-panes. There's no expression in it. It isn't alive, like real
gems."
Mr. Dudley stared. Rose laughed.
"What a vindication of amber!" he said.
He was standing now, leaning against the mantel, just as he was before
lunch. Lu looked at him and smiled.
"Yone is exultant, because we both wanted the beads," she said. "I like
amber as much as she."
"Nothing near so much, Lu!"
"Why didn't you have them, then?" asked Rose, quickly.
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