Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/203

 were blue eyes, dark eyes, hazel and gray eyes. There was hair blond and curly, hair dark and wavy, with various intermediate shades, but all hanging unconfined, after the manner of the unpledged viora.

Even as we approached the open door, there was already audible the hum of animated conversation. Girls, in all periods, will talk, it seems, though not always in such pleasantly modulated tones as those that now reached my ear. There was a sudden hush upon our entrance, and twenty pairs of bright eyes were centred upon my person. There was neither shyness nor boldness in the look, but merely an expression of friendly interest that seemed to say, "We have been expecting you, and are glad to see you."

"You see, girls," said Reva, assuming an air of mock proprietorship that I could have wished, though I could not say exactly why, just a little less self-possessed,—

"this is our cousin Ismar. They have been dying to see you," said she, turning to me with a laugh. "Now, I hope they will not be disappointed."

At this there was a general laugh, and all came forward to offer the hand of cousinship. I could have wished it had been permissible to offer a cousinly kiss. The inducement and the temptation were great. But, duly instructed by Utis, I refrained.

"What Reva says is true," said a tall, stately girl, as she gave me her hand. "Though not exactly dying, we did very much wish to see you. I am your first cousin, Semna Diotha."

"I am your third cousin. Udene Vadarna," next said, with a slight lisp, a pretty blonde of fifteen, and so on through all the rest.