Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/342

 and graceful custom. To remark, unasked, upon the personal appearance of any of the fair sex, was regarded as a breach of good manners. They were, however, privileged to ask such an opinion, on occasion; and their doing so was justly regarded as a mark of peculiar favor and confidence. Assured of their position, and confident in their beauty, they did not fear such misconstruction as their less-favored ancestresses of the present.

When the others entered the house, we did not follow,—were, in all probability, not expected to do so. Were not the minutes of this unforeseen break in our separation few and precious? We took several turns round the lawn, always intending to enter the house when next we approached it, yet always calling to mind some important nothing, the saying of which necessitated still another turn. We had in this way reached the foot of the lawn for the third time, and stood a moment to enjoy the cooling breeze from the river.

"It must be pleasant out in the stream," said Reva, regarding somewhat wistfully the boat in which I and Olav had come.

"If you are not sure that we may go," suggested I, why not inquire?"

Away hastened Reva without further discussion, while I remained to make ready the boat. A slight change in her attire, and the bright-hued afghans, of which I made haste to relieve her when she re-appeared at the door, rendered unnecessary any formal announcement of the result of her mission.

"Ulmene says we have ample time to go round the island. Her last injunctions are, not to take cold, and not to be late for dinner."