"I have explained the views of Utis on this subject," I ended. "In this letter you will find these views set out at greater length."
Hulmar soon became absorbed in the perusal of the letter I had so shrunk from presenting that morning, but which I now gladly presented as an appendix to my story. During the reading, which occupied some time, as the communication was by no means brief, Reva began,—
"This is wonderful,—far more so than the story of Metis."
"Is that story specially interesting to you?" I inquired.
"How could any one fail to be interested?" replied Reva. How often, seated under this very tree, have I mused over that story, and wished"—
"Well?" said I, seeing that she hesitated.
"It was from no idle curiosity; but I did earnestly wish sometimes for the privilege of being allowed, even for a single hour, to put such questions as I pleased in regard to that distant past."
"As far as my knowledge extends," said I earnestly, that wish shall be gratified, not for one hour only, but for as many as you can possibly wish. You will sooner weary of questioning than I of answering."
"You will not find me unreasonable," replied she, with a smile that would have repaid me for the severest toils in her service. But I will avail myself of your promise. There are so many things I would like to ask about."
By this time Reva had quite recovered from that feeling of distance, or awe, the first effect of the revelation to which she had just listened, and gradually resumed the pleasant, cousinly tone of our intercourse of the preced-
