Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/63



the ladies left us, Utis and I passed out on the broad veranda, and looked for a while on the moon-lit scene. My host seemed so absorbed in meditation, that, though burning to ask an explanation on certain points, I did not venture to break in on his revery. Ile gave me the impression of one debating inwardly how to open a subject, and not able to resolve on the way. At last he said, half absently,—

"It is much pleasanter on the roof: there is more air."

We re-entered the house, and began to ascend the stair. Thinking he had forgotten the matter, I reminded him that all the doors and windows were wide open.

"Now that it is so warm," he replied, "we leave the house as open as possible."

"But," said I with some hesitation, "have you no fear of burglars?"

"Burglars," he repeated slowly, "burglars, what is that?"

I was about to reply by a formal definition of the term, but it occurred to me that it was somewhat difficult to

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