“No. We like as far as possible to be fair, and it is impossible to transform the whole and keep them in good repair, therefore we leave them as they naturally are. The sight of these two, as it is, will only provoke the envy and spite of all the rest, so they won’t have a happy time of it after all.”
“Then why have you transformed them?” I asked.
“Plucritus said you liked outward show,” she answered. “And moreover, our friend was in a mood to be cruel, and sent round to know if anyone had slaves who wanted punishing.”
“Then does the process entail suffering?”
“Of course,” she replied. “It could not be done otherwise. I have a brother who has wealth unbounded, and all his slaves are thus constructed; but Plucritus is somewhat after the nature of a philanthropist and is rather inclined to spoil than ill-use his servants as long as they do their work well.”
“And if not?” I inquired, interested.
“Well, then, I suppose they have a lively time of it. I never distinctly asked, though. But tell me, what you intend to do to-day?”
“I am quite at a loss. Not being either in my own land or on the earth I am unacquainted with the way the time is spent.”
“You may walk through the grounds if you wish. I am at your disposal and will show you everything of interest.”
“I am afraid I am in that mood when very little interests me.”