The rain had been pouring down for nearly an hour since Mr. Midith entered the house and became a member of this happy family. It is six o’clock, and Mrs. Uwins announces tea. The table, as always, is neatly set and tastily arranged. The cooking is excellent. While we were at the table, as well as after the meal, the conversation grew more and more interesting. The confidence of one another seemed to be strengthened by every additional word. The scientific, social, industrial and domestic problems were ably handled. Mr. Midith displayed, in an unassuming manner, such a vast amount of information that he almost held all of us spellbound. His perspicuous, sincere utterances brought a deep conviction to his hearers. It seemed, at times, that he was endowed with superhuman power of expression; but his attention to others was just as perfect and pleasing as his conversational abilities. When, after tea, we were all seated in the cosy parlor, Mr. Midith remarked that his present surroundings appeared more homelike to him than any other home he had ever before enjoyed on _this_ earth. “On _this_ earth,” repeated Viola. “Have you ever been on any _other_ earth than _this_ one, Mr. Midith?” “You were, before supper, talking about strange histories,” said Mr. Midith. “I am quite sure that my history would seem very strange to you. Yes, in fact, it would no doubt at first seem incredible to you. But the strangeness and incredibility do not alter the facts in the case. My history is a romance in which every event is a reality,” said Mr. Midith. “I am sure, Mr. Midith,” said Mrs. Uwins, “that we would be highly interested in your history, and nothing would please us better just now than to listen to you.” “Allow me to tell you, ladies and gentlemen,” said Mr. Midith unassumingly, “that I have never before given my history to any one. But as I have always intended to make it known to the mundane (belonging to the world, earthly) inhabitants when a favorable opportunity would present itself, after having thoroughly acquainted myself with your social and industrial institutions, and as this is by far the most favorable one I have so far had, I shall be pleased to comply with your request.” We unanimously requested Mr. Midith to proceed with his narrative, which he did as follows: