Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/236

 he must be, partly at least, of Moorish descent. In manner, however, and training, he did not differ from the other zerdars I had met.

When we had arranged the books in the study, Hulmar read to us—that is, Reva and me—the note from the librarian, which had come with the books. In the course of this note the librarian mentioned the fact, that few of the books included in the list had, according to the records, been asked after during many centuries. One, a copy of "Webster's Unabridged," had not been out since A.D. 6943.

To Reva this last work became at once an object of great interest, especially after I had pointed out to her the woodcut representing the thistle, which she recognized at once. While I was occupied with Hulmar in mapping out our future work by a cursory examination of the books, she was engaged in examining the woodcuts in the dictionary. The cuts themselves were to her objects of interest. Compared with the photographic illustrations in the books to which she had been accustomed, they had the like merits and defects with the old manuscripts as compared with the finest specimens of the printer's art.

Meantime the afternoon was passing away, till Hulmar, becoming aware of the near approach of the dinner-hour, rose, saying,—

That is surely enough for one day. You will, of course, dine with us. There will be no difficulty as regards costume. You are just the make of Olay a few years back. As for dinner, that is Reva's affair."

"There is just time," said Reva, and hastened to the telephone to give the necessary directions.