Aside from affording you a general idea of the varied formations and scenery of Ento, we have a special purpose in bringing you to this spot. We desire that you now shall closely observe these rose-colored, lily-shaped blooms, whose long slender stems springing from tufts of dark green, glossy foliage are crowned with a profusion of the pretty, dainty flowers. As they will be used for one of our illustrations, I will give their Ento name—which is Loisa̤ yanû, in your language water gems or jewel. These compact masses of prettily leafed plants with their numerous white, star-like blooms are named Oina̤ mista̤. Oina̤ signifying lamp and mista̤, snow. You will remember that to the Entoans the shining points in space are the lamps of Astranola̤, hence Oina̤ mista̤, or snow lamp.
Yes, these purplish blue flowers, almost hidden by abundant foliage, in form, color and fragrance are very like Earth's wild violets. Entoans know it as Loisa̤ infûen, but you may name it, Water drinker, for that is as near the significance of its Ento name as I can arrive at. Loisa̤ yanû, oina̤ mista̤, and loisa̤ infûen, always are found growing in marshy places, or by the margin of flowing streams.
LOISA INFUEN
Now we will learn what yonder elevation may offer. No, it is not an isolated mass. Do not you perceive that on the further side it connects with the mountain of which, doubtless, it is a small spur? I have said that in bringing you here we have had a special purpose in view. In this pretty, flowering plant our purpose stands revealed. Yes, this is The Hinifro enora̤. The yellow wonder which requires so little soil or moisture as to be practically independent of either. When, nearly two years ago, through your automatism, Poole created a copy of it, promising to sometime on another Planet show it to you growing and in bloom, you smiled rather incredulously. As we have fulfilled that promise, so shall all else that we have promised you come to pass.
These densely foliaged trees are known as Oona̤mosa̤ tûla̤. In your language this would signify burr-berry. They seldom grow to a greater height than thirty feet. Yes, they do resemble chestnut trees, but the burrs contain berries, not nuts, and they now are fully ripened. Certainly it could not harm you to taste the fruit, but through its extreme acidity and astringency it is very unpalatable.
We now will examine these pretty shrubs whose dark green, glossy foliage renders them quite attractive. The fruit has a luscious appearance but is unfit for human food. Its Ento name is Gûfon litza̤, which I shall translate into Bitter sweet. Once Inez was curious enough to taste this fruit and very much to her discomfiture. As you are aware, your sister was a still born child, consequently her mortal education has been acquired under such difficulties as you, in your present state, little comprehend. Being of an inquiring turn of mind she investigates for herself, at times gaining information at some cost, which makes it all the more valuable.
Inez—De L'Ester, I owe you thanks for regarding my overweening curiosity so leniently. I confess that I am of a very inquiring turn of mind, but since largely through this means I acquire necessary mortal experiences which, through my premature return to the spirit side, were denied me, I feel assured that your forbearance will condone what may amount to a fault.
De L'Ester—Inez, dear friend, I did not mean that my brusquerie should occasion you even a passing thought. Pardon me if I may have caused you a suggestion of pain.
Inez—Pardon is not a word that should pass between two such close friends as are we. There, I offer you my hand with my heart in it and thus the fancied wound is healed.