Medium—Well, here I am, and will relate what I have seen and heard. Asleep on a couch very like that on which the gentleman lies is a large and very beautiful woman with a most charming expression of countenance. Her complexion is rather dark, but much fairer than that of her husband, and her hair is very black and luxuriant, flowing loosely over the pillow and down on to the floor. Never have I seen hair so abundant or so beautiful, and she has such lovely arms and hands. On tables and on the side shelves of a magnificent dresser are beautiful toilet articles and the loveliest jewel caskets. Of what are the caskets made? Dear me, I cannot say, but I should think of gold and silver. One looks like gold filagree set with different colored stones forming flower sprays, and one appears to be of silver closely incrusted with diamonds and rubies in a peculiar pattern. Another is a rather large shell clasped with some kind of metal hinges, the edge of the upper half set closely with large, lovely pink pearls, which I should think might be worth a fortune. There are several other caskets, but I did not observe them closely.
Clothing of beautiful texture and exquisite coloring hangs in closets and other receptacles. There are robes of what I should call Grecian style. Some are of a plain weave, others are brocaded in admirable designs. Some are of silken texture, others are of wool or silk and wool. Some are undecorated, but almost all of them are trimmed around the neck, sleeves and hems with borders of very beautiful embroidery of gold, silver or in colored silks, imitating foliage and flowers or in arabesque designs, some of them set thickly with small jewels of several kinds. They are the most beautiful garments I ever have seen.
Close by the lady's couch is a smaller one, on which lies the dearest, loveliest child. She appears to be about four years old and is very large for that age. I felt inclined to kiss the darling, but feared that I might awaken her, so stood intently looking at her, when suddenly she stirred and opened her eyes in a startled manner, crying "Omma̤, Omma̤." Instantly I retreated behind the window drapery and peered through. The mother arose in haste and knelt beside the child, murmuring as she caressed her, "Omma̤ estro, Omma̤ estro, gentolēna̤. Emenola̤ grandû, emenissema grandû." That is all I can remember of what she said, but soon the child fell asleep, the mother stole softly to her couch and I came away. I hope, monsieur, that I have satisfied your curiosity.
De L'Ester—Madame, your complaisance overwhelms me. My curiosity. Truly I do not find myself equal to an expression of my appreciation of your effort on my behalf, and can only bow my acknowledgment. May I ask if you looked into the apartment adjoining the one you visited? George informs us that in it is a younger and handsomer woman than the one you have described.
Medium—I only glanced at a very youthful and handsome girl who was asleep on a couch. Although I realize that these persons are unaware of our presence, I cannot avoid an unpleasant consciousness that we are taking advantage of their unconscious state. Of course I know that idle curiosity has nothing to do with it, and that you all are doing your utmost to assist in my Ento education, for which you have my thanks.
George, how do you know that there is a young and handsome woman in that room? I shall have to report you to Inez.
George—While looking through the house I came to her room, merely glancing in as you did. Inez has too much confidence in her other self to listen to an ill report of him; then, too, madame but jests.
While looking through this spacious dwelling and into its history, I have learned that it is modelled in a style antedating what we will term Ento's modern architecture. This style was in high favor four centuries ago, Ento time and for suburban and country residences is yet much favored. It was designed for the requirements of a large family and has served its purpose during several generations and still is so substantial that its massive walls may shelter generations yet to come. At present, only the first and second floors are occupied or furnished.
From the conversation of the domestics I also have learned that the proprietor is a distinguished Government Official, who, with his family, resides in the Capitol and that occasionally he and they come here for recreation and to look after his estate.