In answer she gave me a smile which almost deprived me of what little wit
remained, and at the same time emitted one exquisite note.

I was now at the end of my resources. I had always thought I could talk on
ordinary topics as well as the average man, but in the presence of this
girl, with everything in the world unsaid, I could not think of one word
to say. The doctor soon saw my predicament and hastened to assist me, and
the remark which he selected shows again his wonderful self-possession in
the midst of overwhelming difficulties. He waved his hand gently toward me
to attract her attention and said:

"My friend and I are from the United States and have come to make you a
visit. This is your home, I suppose, away down here in the middle of the
moon? It is very kind of you to bring us here. I hope you will excuse me
for my rudeness, but what time do you have supper?"

This time three little notes of the same quality as before and then a
little trill, and the whole accompanied by a smile so sweet that I
suddenly began to wish the doctor had been blown off the top of the moon.
It was a wicked thought and I put it away from me as quickly as possible,
being assisted by the recollection that the doctor had a charming wife
already, who was no doubt thinking of him at this very moment.

We were not making much progress in opening conversation, but our charming
hostess seemed to understand either the doctor's words or his looks, for,
stepping into another room, she called us presently to sit down to a table
well supplied with plain but substantial food. She soon made us feel quite
at home, just by her easy and agreeable ways. We did not once hear her
voice in ordinary speech, and at length we began to suspect, what we