Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/337

 as to join Olav next morning at a small village in the neighborhood of Falo. There was no time to be lost. I telephoned at once to Resval, for so my friend the scientist was called, to explain the cause of my departure, and beg him to provide a substitute for me in the duties I had undertaken. The ideas of the period exacted extreme regard for engagements of every kind, so that I was not without uneasiness as to my ability to get away at such short notice. But, says one of the wisest of men, "All mankind loves a lover,"—a truth that will ever hold more true as love becomes more sacred.

"Such a summons as yours goes before every thing," was the reply that came sounding over the wires. "Some one shall be found to take your place. Viana says she will do so herself if no other arrangement can be made."

Though Viana, his lovely and accomplished wife, said this mainly in jest, I felt not the slightest doubt that she would make good her word should needful occasion arise. This matter satisfactorily arranged, I found, that, by using the utmost despatch, 1 could leave by the swift night-train for the East.

That I succeeded in doing so was due in a large measure to the considerate forethought of the kind Viana. At her suggestion, a young zerdar I had met at her house called for me in his curricle, in order to convey me to the immense station across the river, at some distance from my quarters. This friend in need seemed well acquainted with the purpose of my sudden departure, and offered his congratulations upon what appeared to him a most enviable piece of good fortune. He, poor fellow, had yet full six months to wait before he could visit that spot, some