becoming to the wearers, setting off their elegant proportions, and
at the same time permitting the utmost freedom and grace of movement.
Jewellery was clearly only used as a medium for adding to the brilliancy
of the general effect, and I saw no one with any lavish or vulgar
display of jewels.

Our meal was very similar in character to that of which we had partaken
on the previous day, though on a more extended and elaborate scale. This
time, however, we partook of the delicious wines which were provided,
and found that whilst being most refreshing and exhilarating, they were,
as Merna told us, so prepared as to be non-intoxicating. They were
indeed so fine in quality and flavour that, I think, even M'Allister was
reconciled to the absence of his own favourite drink.

I occupied a seat of honour next to Soranho, and my two friends were
close by. On looking round the hall, and scanning the features of the
different individuals present, I was much impressed by the fact that the
same regularity, beauty, and symmetry was apparent in all; not one face
could be termed "plain," or gave any impression of self-indulgence or
sensuality; whilst the soft glowing light in their eyes produced a most
indescribable and charming effect upon the whole of their features.

This light is altogether different from the fierce glare seen in the
eyes of many of our animals, especially the feline race, which seems to
enlarge the eyes to enormous orbs of brilliant light. In the Martians
it is simply a colourless, soft, and liquid glow which has a different
effect on eyes of different colours; but it is charming in all.

Merna had introduced us to a lady named Eleeta, who sat next to him at
the table; and it did not require a Martian intuition to enable me
quickly to perceive that the relations in which they regarded each other
were something beyond those of ordinary friendship. Their glowing eyes
and beaming countenances, and their general animation and exhilaration
as they conversed together, told their own tale, for mutual love has
much the same indications and attributes everywhere--even upon Mars! But
the love-light shining in Martian eyes is something far more entrancing
than that seen in the duller orbs of the inhabitants of our world.

The people of Mars generally have dark hair, dark eyes, and
fresh-coloured complexions; the males having no hair upon their faces,
beyond a slight moustache. Beards never grow upon their chins, so they