This was a town no larger than his own and no more fortuned of Nature. Here were buildings not too unlike, and white walls and flowering things and the flow of pure air. But here was also the touch of bells. And he saw that every one went to and fro in a manner of quiet purpose that was like a garment.
"Sir, what do you do for yourself?" he asked courteously of one who was passing.
The citizen gave him greeting.
"I make bread for my family," said he, "and, it may be, a dream or two."
Matthew tried hard to perceive, and could make nothing of this.
"Your family," he said, "what thing is that?"
The citizen looked at him narrowly.
"I see that you rebuke me," said he, gently; "but I, too, labor for the community, so that the day shall become a better day."
"Community," said Matthew. "Now I know not at all what that may be, either."
Then the man understood that here was one who would learn about these things, and in the New Village such a task is sacred and to be assumed on the moment by any to whom the opportunity presents. So the man took Matthew with him.