Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/57

 all the more impressed, therefore, by the sensation produced by those careless words of mine.

Esna, too young as yet to have her emotions completely under control, gazed at me in open-eyed astonishment. The fair Ialma kept her eye fixed upon her plate, as if she feared they might reveal her thought; while a faint flush mantled in her checks. Ulmene telegraphed to her husband a look that seemed to say,—

"Is it really so bad as that?"

What had happened was, indeed, very much as if, among us, a man of supposed liberal education should frankly confess his total lack of any mental associations. with the names Dido, Caesar, or Napoleon. As for Utis, he said quietly,—

"You see, Esna, your cousin Ismar wishes to hear the story of your famous namesake. Show him how well you know it."

At this command, without any attempt at excuse, or display of childish shyness, the girl stood forth, and related with a dramatic power, that showed how her heart went with it, a simple and ancient story of love and self-devotion. How a maiden had served her country, and saved many lives, by the imminent risk of her own life, and of a life dearer than her own. So well was the story told, that I could compliment her in all sincerity.

"You should hear cousin Reva, then," said Esna.

"All we Diothas know that story well."

"So Reva is your cousin,—first or second?" said I inquiringly.

"She is my first cousin, and your second," replied the child.