We had barely entered the city when half a dozen natives emerged from unseen corridors and greeted us. Like the members of our own party, they were dressed in exquisite light-tinted gowns; and, like all the Atlanteans, they were well built, prepossessing of appearance and handsome; and there was a perfect natural courtesy in their manner when they assured us how welcome we were and bade us accompany them to our lodgings. Still speechless with wonder, I followed my companions through long crystal galleries, around the base of jewel-like glimmering towers, and across flowered parks where iridescent fountains splashed and bubbled. “This is typical of the latest in architecture,” I heard one of the men saying, as he pointed up at the curving, interlinking stained glass porticoes and domes. “Thalos in its present form is not more than five centuries old, and is exclusively a development of Post-Submergence art.” Almost before these words were out of the speaker’s mouth, we were led up a long flight of stairs and through an elliptical doorway into a chamber which, to my surprise, was walled and roofed not with glass, but with marble. Here we were treated to a sumptuous repast, consisting of a sort of vegetable steak, native cakes and bread, honey and fruit, which already lay spread for us on half a dozen little tables. And, after we had dined, we were each shown to a room on the roof, which was equipped with all articles that necessity or convenience could demand, and where, if we wished, we might well rest from the day’s exertions. Some of our party may possibly have availed themselves of this opportunity; but, for my own part, I was so excited merely at being in Thales, that a rest was out of the question. * * * * * As soon as I had washed myself clean of the dust of the journey, I made my way down from my roof-apartment and out of the building. As I stepped toward the outer door, I was rejoiced to see a familiar blue-clad figure preceding me down the stairs. “Aelios!” I cried; and when she turned to see what was the matter, I joined her with the breathless suggestion that we take a little stroll together. And--quite unexpectedly--she obliged me by agreeing. “Luckily, I’ve been here before, and so know my way about,” she said, as we started. “If you went alone, you might get lost.” “I wouldn’t mind--in such a charming place,” I declared, with a smile. And then, as a means of making conversation, I remarked, “The people here are exceedingly hospitable, aren’t they?” “Hospitable?” she echoed, as if not understanding. “What makes you think that?” Surprised, I pointed out the self-evident fact that they had lodged and feasted us so splendidly. “Oh, it is not they that have lodged and feasted us!” she corrected. “It is the State!” It was now my turn to look blank, and hers to explain.