"Anthony Piers - Incarnations Of Immortality 1 - On A Pale Horse [uc]" - читать интересную книгу автора (Anthony Piers)

smaller profit. "This fine stone brightens at the prospect
of romance of any kind. Sapphire, as you know, is chem-

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ically the same stone as ruby; both are corundum, but
because the colors of sapphire are not as rare as those of
ruby, the value is less. This is therefore a bargain. It will
tune in to your romance; all you have to do is follow its
signal until you score."

Zane remained skeptical. "You can't find romance by
zeroing in as if it's a target! There are social aspects,
complex nuances of compatibility—"

"The Lovestone takes account of all that, sir. It orients
on the right one, taking all factors into consideration. Left
to your own devices, you are very likely to make a mis-
take, and suffer an unfortunate liaison, perhaps one that
will become a grief to you. With this stone, that will never
happen."

"But there could be many excellent combinations,"
Zane protested. "Many right women. How can a mere
gem select among them?"

"Circumstances alter cases, sir. Some women are ideal
for any man, with qualities of beauty, talent, and loyalty
that make them highly desirable regardless of the varia-
tions in the males. But most of them are already married,
as these qualities are readily perceived by the boy next
door, lucky fellow. Others may be destined for some de-
valuing development, like a disfiguring illness or serious
problems among their relatives. The Lovestone knows;

it orients on the most suitable, most reliable, most avail-
able individual. It is unerring. Simply turn it to obtain the
brightest glow and follow where it leads. You will not be
disappointed." He held forth the blue sapphire. "One
demonstration trial, sir."

"I don't know. If it's like the last one—"

"This is romance! How can you lose?"

Zane sighed and took the stone. It was certainly pretty
and twice the size of the Deathstone, and its theoretical
power intrigued him strongly. A really good romance—
what more could a man ask for?