This man is a fine specimen of a race known as the Hovana̤, and doubtless were he awake, and clear-seeing, he would find himself greatly surprised, if not alarmed, on perceiving a group of strange appearing persons gazing upon him so intently. Adieu, monsieur, and should we again meet, may it be under more favorable conditions for a mutual acquaintance.
A bath and dressing room adjoins this apartment, which now we will examine.
Quite a large, and well appointed room, with floor of very beautiful marble, its whiteness relieved by veinings of gray and pale rose color. From the floor to half the height of the room the walls are of silver richly wrought in festoons of vines and flowers of various kinds, all suggesting aquatic growths. Thence, to the slightly curved ceiling, the walls are of highly polished wood, of a deep rose color. The ceiling, too, is of wood, of a paler shade of rose, and is carved in exquisite floral designs. The bath is of snowy marble, lined with burnished silver, which curves over, forming a broad rim. The outer surface of the bath is chiselled into a composition of aquatic plants and grasses, which are very artistic and effective.
Here is a large onyx dressing table, on which are various toilet accessories of admirable designs and workmanship. Truly, "Necessity is the mother of invention," and the necessities of humans, everywhere, lead to very similar results, hence these familiar looking objects.
I recall that during my Earth life I imagined that if any of the Planets might be the abodes of intelligent life forms owing to varying conditions, necessarily such forms, and their requirements, must altogether differ from those of Earth, and I assure you that one of the greatest, and most pleasing surprises awaiting my renewed acquaintance with the spirit side of life was the realization, that not only was the genus homo of other worlds essentially like myself in appearance, but that their characteristics, pursuits and requirements were very like my own, and that the Spirits of all Planetary spirit worlds recognized their common origin, and universal relationship.
Your mental state is similar to what mine was, hence you find it difficult to realize the universal homogeneity of substance, which under like, or similar conditions, must manifest itself, in harmony with intelligent, universal laws. I am aware, that as factors, or potentialities, forces and qualities, known as gravity, attraction, repulsion, density, volume, distance from Solar influences, position of Planets, etc., are to scientific minds the pivotal points upon which certain results must of necessity turn, and largely they are correct. But while drawing conclusions from real or apparent facts scientific minds seldom consider the one all-powerful factor, The Infinite, Intelligent energy, the adjuster of causes and effects into a harmonious whole. But really at present we have not time for either scientific or philosophic dissertations, and I must conclude this digression into which your remark has beguiled me by saying that on Ento you will find the same humans, with the same requirements, as may be found on numberless Planets.
Everywhere the man creature evolves along fixed lines, and sooner or later this hairy-headed person requires combs, brushes, mirrors and other appliances with which to enhance his charms or to contribute to his comfort, his well-being or his vanity, consequently here are veritable combs, brushes and mirrors, and here, too, is a familiar looking cleansing preparation. You may doubt it, madame, but I swear it is soap, and a very excellent soap it is. It is delicately scented, too, which may indicate that my lord and his lady are somewhat dainty in their requirements.
You may know that on our Planet, in various localities, there are deposits of a saponaceous character. Such deposits exist not only on Earth, but on Ento and other Planets, which affords another bit of evidence that worlds are akin.
These bath appliances are quite admirable. Overhead are faucets with spraying attachments for both hot and cold water, and here, at the foot of the bath, are silver faucets for the same, and from these yawning mouths of silver nondescript heads both cold and hot water pours into this great silver bowl. But we cannot devote more time to this room. Certainly, for a country house, one scarcely would expect such luxurious appointments.
This door opens into the sleeping apartments of the wife of the slumbering gentleman. Shall we enter it, madame? You are silent. I have observed that curiosity is not your ruling trait. Ah, I see. You think that we gentlemen should not intrude upon the privacy of the lady. Then, that you may acquire certain information, I suggest that you shall go alone, and in the hallway we will await your return.