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100 similar and simultaneous gatherings, many of them on a larger and equally grand scale. The President's Ball, however, would take precedence in regard to time, and would be the first to open.

I here made inquiries about the probable belle and the ladies' dresses. She answered that among so many thousands I should find it an impossibility to single out any young lady as being superior in appearance to all the others—their girls were so much alike. Besides, this was a matter that did not attract attention at gatherings in Neuroomia. With regard to dress, they would all be elegantly dressed, and have a holiday appearance. However, if any lady should endeavour to render herself conspicuous by her dress, she would be noted only for her folly.

We were now approaching the city. There was Atazatlan, just as beautiful as when I first beheld it from the mountains. I should soon enter it for the second time, and there probably meet some of my former acquaintances.

Would Louva be at the ball? I asked of myself more than once; and yet there could only be one answer to this query. There was no doubt both she and her father would be present. Sometimes, however, I fancied that I did not feel so