Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/212

 and I made some reply to that effect. I could not but acknowledge to myself, that rarely had I seen a figure more graceful and manly than Anvar's. The close-fitting undress-suit displayed to advantage his athletic form as he raised heavy loads with apparent case, and placed them on the shelves above. When Ialma perceived my state of mind, and divined the cause, with true womanly tact she strove to divert my thoughts by chatting gayly on other subjects.

"As you are under my orders for the afternoon," said she, during an interval of slackness. "I want you to take me over to Nuval. Semna Diotha-Nuval"—this I recognized as the full name of my maternal great-grandmother—"will expect you to-day."

I was somewhat surprised, but not at all displeased, at this announcement. Next to Reva, there was none whose society I would prefer to that of Ialma. There had sprung up between us as strong a liking as can exist without a trace of sentiment between two young persons of different sexes. I was surprised because the thing proposed seemed to me so contrary to the prevailing custom. But, so far, I had learned only the broad outlines, not the nice shadings, of social etiquette.

The reason for the prohibition of a viora's riding out with an unbetrothed man was not any unworthy suspicion, but the earnest wish to prevent rash or premature engagements. A matron could ride out with any one; a zerna, with any one not objected to by her relatives, or those of her betrothed, a mere hint in such a case being all-sufficient. A viora, again, could ride out with any married or betrothed man, unless forbidden to do so.