Page:Neuroomia.djvu/187

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I ENJOY A PROLONGED HOLIDAY.
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tiers of growing flowers and pot plants of smaller size. Beyond the rooms were several rows of seats, and also open spaces, for the convenience of the people; while beyond these again were numerous stalls, where provisions, fruits, books and other articles were exhibited for sale. The bedrooms and lavatories were on the uppermost deck, above which rose several domes. These latter gave the Dorondoro a city-like appearance.

After visiting the upper portions of this wonderful structure, we returned to the lower deck, where dancing had already commenced. Alvarez and myself joined in. Estas was also in the dance, with a very modest-looking young man named Hitomlik for a partner. She had been engaged to him for some time, and Alvarez wondered they were here, as she expected that they would be married this season. I thought there was something peculiar about Hitomlik's manner, which nevertheless was agreeable. He appeared to be absent-minded and sad, so I inquired of my companion if ever he had had a long illness.

"No," was the answer; "but on one occasion ho had to be confined for a time on the island of Candilia, as he suffered from mental weakness, the result of an accident. However," she continued,