Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/153

 superfluous wealth, in fact, that was left by testators. From this fund was replaced all property lost by fire,—by any accident, indeed, beyond the owner's care.

Fires, it may be remarked in passing, were of extremely rare occurrence, as might be inferred from the highly incombustible nature of their building material, into which wood did not enter, being very sparingly employed, even in furniture. Life-insurance was not needful, seeing that every family had a certain amount of property; and premature deaths, among the men at least, were comparatively rare.

Any assistance required by a family on account of sickness, or similar misfortune, was cheerfully accorded by the related families, the family-feeling being very strong. Children, orphaned of both parents, found many eager to adopt them. The supply of such children was, in fact, far below the demand; the one want of many households being that crowning grace,—little ones to love and care for.

During the rest of the journey, and after we had retired to my study, I received much further information in regard to the social arrangements of the period. This, said Utis, was the more necessary, because, on the following day, I should meet and be introduced to a larger number of people than I had seen as yet, including a number of relatives by my mother's side.

"What is the occasion?" I naturally inquired.

"To-morrow is the day of rest," was the reply.

A moment's reflection showed me that such was the case. It was now the evening of the day that, in the ancient nomenclature, was called Saturday. I had alto-