The moral gulf between the two worlds is wider than the material.  Utterly unselfish and trustful, Eveena was almost pained to be reminded that the service she so extravagantly overprized was rendered to her sex rather than herself; while yet more deeply gratified, though still half incredulous, by the commonplace that preferred love to life.  I had yet to learn, however, that Eveena’s nature was as utterly strange in her own world as the ideas in which she was educated would seem in mine.

I left her for a few minutes to dress for the first time in the costume which Esmo’s care had provided.  The single under-vestment of softest hide, closely fitting from neck to knees, is of all garments the best adapted to preserve natural warmth under the rapid and extreme changes of the external atmosphere.  The outer garb consisted of blouse and trousers, woven of a fabric in which a fine warp of metallic lustre was crossed by a strong silken weft, giving the effect of a diapered scarlet and silver; both fastened by the belt, a broad green strap of some species of leather, clasped with gold.  Masculine dress is seldom brilliant, as is that of the women, but convenient and comfortable beyond any other, and generally handsome and elegant.  The one part of the costume which I could never approve is the sandal, which leaves the feet exposed to dust and cold.  Rejoining my bride, I said—­

“I have had no opportunity of seeing much of this country, and I fancy from what I have seen of feminine seclusion that an excursion would be as much a holiday treat to you as to myself.  If your father will lend us his carriage, would you like to accompany me to one or two places Kevima has described not far from this, and which I am anxious to visit?”

She bent her head, but did not answer; and fancying that the proposal was not agreeable to her, I added—­

“If you prefer to spend our little remaining time here with your mother and sister, I will ask your brother to accompany me, though I am selfishly unwilling to part with you to-day.”

She looked up for a moment with an air of pain and perplexity, and as she turned away I saw the tears gather in her eyes.

“What is the matter?” I asked, surprised and puzzled as one on Earth who tries to please a woman by offering her her own way, and finds that, so offered, it is the last thing she cares to have.  It did not occur to me that, even in trifles, a Martial wife never dreams that her taste or wish can signify, or be consulted where her lord has a preference of his own.  To invite instead of commanding her companionship was unusual; to withdraw the expression of my own wish, and bid her decide for herself, was in Eveena’s eyes to mark formally and deliberately that I did not care for her society.

“What have I done,” she faltered, “to be so punished?  I have not, save the day before yesterday, left the house this year; and you offer me the greatest of pleasures only to snatch it away the next moment.”