Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/331

 were appointed a committee to convey to you the thanks of all Diothas for what you have done. Many other things were said, Ismar, that made me both proud and happy."

Thinking Reva was alone, I hereupon sportively suggested how much more agreeable, even, it would be to hear such words of commendation from the lips of the committee in propriis personis instead of from the lips of the telephone. I also expressed my readiness to betake myself to any appointed place that would suit the convenience of said committee. I now first became aware, by a sound of soft laughter and some scattered words that reached my car, that I was in the telephone presence, not of Reva alone, but of the whole committee. It was Ialma communicated the result of the consultation, in a voice slightly tremulous with amusement:—

"This committee is of opinion, that, though unusual, your request should receive due consideration. Extraordinary merits deserve extraordinary rewards."

Ulmene next spoke:—

"Reva and I cannot make out what plan Ialma has in her head. It may amount to nothing. I am frequently obliged to hold up Reva to her as a pattern of staidness."

After encouragement like this, it may be supposed that such sweetly rewarded researches were prosecuted with renewed ardor. At Hulmar's suggestion, indeed, I now devoted my whole time to the line of research that had proved so successful. After unsatisfactory progress during a few days, I again struck the true lead. Henceforward, day after day, I was able to report to Reva the