human
What was that about a talisman?
gpt
That little cross Miss Strange wears. She calls that her talisman.
human
Indeed! Why that particular cross?
gpt
It belonged to her godmother, I believe,
human
Her godmother, eh? Why, he began to laugh,
gpt
I think she said she was named after her----
human
So she was.
gpt
And that her mother told her she was the most beautiful woman she ever knew----
human
That's true enough. She _was_ beautiful, and clever, and accomplished, no doubt about that. One ought to speak kindly of the dead, they say. Well, she was beautiful, and if ever there was a selfish, heartless coquette----
gpt
Hey! said Reynold, opening his eyes.
human
Is that speaking kindly of the dead?
gpt
Very kindly,
human
But Miss Strange's mother----
gpt
Well, I should think she must have begun to find her friend out before she died. I don't know, though; Mrs. Strange isn't over wise, she may contrive to believe in her still. I wonder what Strange would say, if he ever said anything! So that is Barbara's talisman! Not much _virtue_ in it, anyhow; but I dare say it will do just as well. There have been some queer folks canonised before now.