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112 arranged to meet Folbrizzio was approaching. However, I did not leave the room at once, but foxed her through the crowd, and saw with regret that she again joined her clownish friend.

I now repaired to the banquet hall, where I met Folbrizzio. He referred to Louva.

"Who is the young man with whom she has danced so much?" I inquired.

"His name is Lackflackima," was the answer, "and he has charge of the Island of Candilia, where the few persons who have had the misfortune, through accident or other cause, to have become deranged, are confined."

"Is that considered to be a high position in Neuroomia?" I asked.

"By no means," was the response. "Yet it is one of those few care to occupy, and is therefore highly remunerated."

I now felt disgusted to think that the woman I loved should be so matter-of-fact and destitute of romance.

"Does she really love him?" I demanded.

"That is a difficult question for me to answer," was the reply; "for I have not often met them together, nor do I think she has known him long. However," he continued, "if you desire to win the