De L'Ester--We will enter by way of this inner doorway, and for a moment we will pause here. As you may not correctly estimate the dimensions of this Istoira, I will inform you, madame, that its depth, including the sanctuary, is about one hundred and twenty feet; its width about sixty feet. These private Istoiras are attached to the residences of all large country estates and are used, not only for religious purposes, but for placing of memorial records, and as depositories of the ashes of the dead. As you perceive, the seats are placed only along the sides, and facing us is a beautiful altar, back of which falls heavy drapery concealing from view the sanctuary. In this subdued light the white, very ornately sculptured marble altar gleams like masses of snow flowers. In contrast to its whiteness here are some red and yellow blooms so recently laid on it that the atmosphere is laden with their sweet fragrance. All over the planet at high noon and at the moment of the disappearance of Andûman[a:]'s shining abode in the numerous Temples and Istoiras religious observances occur. At high noon, on occasions, animals are sacrificed and offerings of value are laid on altars. At the evening service only grains, fruits and flowers, the sacred red and yellow tsoina and valseta blooms are offered. Soon, we believe, sacrifices involving animal life will be known no more on Ento. [Illustration: ISOINA] Medium--De L'Ester, pardon me for interrupting you. You have informed me that the Entoans, as a whole, are more highly civilized than are the peoples of our planet. Why, then, do they still practice these superstitious observances?