Gentola—With deepest attention I have listened to what you have said, and I feel that I better understand not only the motive for but the conditions relating to this undertaking, which, through my increasing interest in all concerning it, renders it a little difficult for me to patiently await the unfolding of events.
De L'Ester—The unfolding of events soon will oblige us to further enlighten you as to our plans. Necessarily, we have been somewhat reticent so that gradually you might become prepared for your part in a drama upon which Spirit Worlds are anxiously gazing. Ere long you, with our entire Band, will repair to Dao, the capital of Ento, where dwells Omanos Fûnha̤, Osy Hûn, whose only child, Sēlona̤ Valloa̤, slowly but surely, is releasing herself from her physical body. The hour of her departure into Ento's Spirit Realms cannot long be deferred, then a united and supreme effort will be made to open the way for the incoming of the new revelation, but ere the arrival of that hour much must yet be accomplished.
A highly spiritualized man is Omanos Fûnha̤, who reverently obeys what he has been taught to regard as Andûmana̤'s Divine Law. Ento never has been favored with a Supreme Ruler of broader views, of kinder heart, or of a finer sense of justice. I believe that you are aware that translated into your language Osy Hûn is Supreme or Sovereign Ruler. Early in Omanos Fûnha̤'s wedded life his adored wife, Sēlona̤ Valloa̤, passed to our spirit world, leaving as his chiefest consolation an infant daughter who bears her mother's name. She is the original of the portrait you saw in the first dwelling you visited on Ento. Yes, the young girl reclining on a couch while Prince Dano stands near smiling on her. She has grown a most beautiful and admirable woman, but is as frail as the phantom-like blossoms of the roina̤ draping yonder marble statue. Her father idolizes the fair girl, and she returns his devotion with tenderest affection. Of late into his mind has stolen a chilling dread, for, despite all that his love can suggest or science can accomplish to increase her strength, she grows weaker and more fragile. She is, as you are aware, affianced to Prince Dano, and ere long he will be summoned to Dao, where his parents reside. Ere now this would have occurred, but Omanos Fûnha̤ shrinks from admitting to himself that Valloa̤ is in a perilous state. That gradually, but surely, she is being overshadowed by the invisible terror, the dread god Phra (death). Still he lays on the temple altar votive offerings, praying that the pitiful gods may restore her, and the days pass and the end draws near.
I tell you this, that you may to an extent understand the present situation at Dao.
In the adjoining studio is Prince Dano, and other art students. We will enter and observe them and their work. Dano, as he leans against a column, regarding a dainty piece of statuary, upon which evidently he has been working, wears an expression of care and preoccupation. Yonder is a group engaged in drawing from the nude, the model a lad as symmetrical, as beautiful as one of their fabled Gods. Further away other youths and maidens draw from still life, and here is a large class engaged in modelling heads and other objects from a plastic material, and beyond Dano, two girls and several youths are attempting to release from marble forms more or less attractive.
What a spacious studio, and each department so perfectly equipped. Those carved panels, separating the sky lights of the lofty ceiling, are of exquisite design and execution, and the arrangement of the shades and draperies is very admirable. The Drawing Instructor is about to address his class, and Dano draws near to listen. We will do the same.
Instructor—I desire to impress upon your minds that each element of art is as perfect as is art in its finest, fullest expression; hence, to slight the minutest detail is to slight the whole. In the straight line are all the elements of highest art. The curve itself is a succession of minute straight lines which also are capable of expressing light, shade, form and color, for are not colors the results of light impinging upon various arrangements of the straight line?
In the admirable work of Prince Dano which very appropriately he names a dream child, we behold an example of the value of the straight line. The curves of the upraised arms and dainty limbs. The modelling of the beautiful head and exquisite face. Even the dreamy expression of the half-closed eyes, all are the results of—but you are inattentive—and disturbed—why, Dano, dear youth, are you ill? A cup of water, Lēta. I believe there is no occasion for alarm, he only has swooned and shortly will revive. Thanks, Lēta, I will bathe his face which, doubtless, will arouse him.
Leta—Professor, I pray you to desist. He is subject to such attacks, and soon will return to consciousness. It is Doctor Vyonda̤'s opinion that he overtaxes his strength, and——