Page:Doughty--Mirrikh or A woman from Mars.djvu/278

 register Merzilla Layakwoma, giving her residence, etc., as Thibet.

Most surely is she a lady, and a highly intelligent one; most decidedly are they the happiest married couple I ever knew. But one thing mars their happiness. As yet there are no olive plants about their table. Maurice says there never will be any. Probably he is right.

As for myself, I live with these, my friends, for I have no others, unless, indeed, it is the Doctor—but stay, there is Mr. Mirrikh! Have I not a friend on Mars?

The thought is stupendous!

For years I could not pluck up courage to brave the sneers of the skeptical and follow Mirrikh’s injunction; but at last I put myself down to the task, and for better or worse  launch my strange story upon the world.

This done, I await the result with a calmness amounting almost to indifference.

I have done my part, and have but one ambition now—to meet her beyond the veil.

To those who have followed me through my strange adventures, I can express my state of mind in a single word.

Hope!