telling what might have happened to us from a curious mob. But here all
was order and quiet. Everybody went about his own business and treated our
party with additional respect, it seemed, because some of us were
strangers. We found out later how anxious all these people were to learn
everything about us, but they were content to wait till the knowledge
should come to them in a proper way.

Thorwald now selected a light, pretty carriage, and after a brisk ride
through another charming avenue and up a steep hill, we alighted at the
door of a noble mansion whose majestic proportions were in harmony with
the wide, open plateau upon which it stood alone. Upon entering, Thorwald
was at once affectionately greeted by his wife, and while he was
introducing us as natives of another world his son and daughter came
bounding toward him from an adjacent room.

These were quite small children, but in a few moments Thorwald brought in
from another part of the house a young woman of about my age, apparently,
and introduced her as a neighbor. It needed but a glance to tell us that
she was beautiful as a dream, and she moved about with that exquisite
grace which comes only from the highest culture. She spoke to us with such
ease and naturalness that we were at once relieved from whatever
embarrassment the circumstances might easily occasion.

"Antonia is our very dear friend," said Thorwald, "and, although she hides
her curiosity so well, you will find her an exceedingly interested
listener to your history and adventures."

"Yes," said the charming voice of Antonia, "Thorwald has told me just
enough about you to make me want to know more. Your moon, which is so much
larger than our little satellites, caused a great sensation when it was