There was no holding back the giggle that escaped her lips as he took to shaking the little rock. He looked terribly silly; she was glad she'd not fallen for the scheme! Had he been trying to dupe her, or had he been duped?

"Oh, no," she said, unsuccessfully trying to hide her smile. "I must assure you that I'm very magical; nobody in my family has doubts about that," she explained, peeking up at him with bright eyes.

"I think it is your pebble venture that lacks magic. You must improve your sales pitch," she teased.

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