we were alone he said:

"Do you think Antonia is as handsome as Mona?"

"If you will show me Mona I shall then be able to judge. But how did I
carry myself on my first introduction to a daughter of Mars? Do you think
I am in any danger of putting her in Margaret's place in my heart?"

"Perhaps not," replied the doctor. "You kept command of yourself pretty
well; but I think the secret of that is that you have not quite forgotten
Mona."

"Excuse my frankness, Doctor, but I must tell you I am getting a little
tired of Mona. I wish I might never hear her name again. If I can resist
the charms of such an exquisite bundle of perfections as Antonia is, do
you think I am likely to be overcome by a mocking-bird of your
imagination?"

"If you could only hear the voice of that bird once more," replied the
doctor, "you would soon begin to sing another tune. But let us go down if
you are ready, and not keep them waiting."

We had looked forward with much interest to our first meal in one of these
sumptuous houses, and, moreover, being quite hungry, we were glad to find
that we were just in time to sit down. If we had felt any fear lest the
absence of meat would make a meager bill of fare, the experience of the
next hour relieved us. The dishes were all strange, but highly palatable,
and the fact that there was nothing that appeared to be in the least
unwholesome did not detract from the delicious savor which every viand
possessed. The rich variety of courses and the elegance of the service