But while I was planning my book, my thoughts were frequently on more personal subjects. And, having completed the outline, I could not forget a certain invitation made me by the most fascinating woman in Atlantis, but wasted no time about seeking her advice and approval. Late one afternoon, when I knew that her tutoring would be over for the day, I paid my second visit to her home. I went just a little hesitatingly, I remember, yet not without some justifiable hope, for our interview was to begin most auspiciously. It was Aelios herself that came to the door in response to my knock; and it was Aelios that escorted me into the house, with cordial greetings and delighted smiles that reaffirmed my impression of her unrivaled merits. “Well, my friend, I thought you would be coming,” said she, simply, as we took seats side by side on the seaweed sofa we had occupied on my first visit. “But what made you think that?” I questioned. “Why, didn’t you say you would come?” she returned, in unfeigned surprise. “You’re undertaking a difficult task, you know--to write a book in a strange language. Isn’t it only natural to want advice?” “It is, indeed,” I confessed, and should have liked to add, “when I can have such a charming adviser.” “I suppose you’ve been working hard,” she continued, evidently unaware of what was in my thoughts. “And, of course, you’ve brought something with you to show me.” “Yes, I have brought something,” I admitted; and, there being no choice, I forthwith unfolded the paper that contained my plans for the history. For several minutes she gazed at it intently, her features furrowed with thought, while eagerly I awaited her verdict. “This is going to be very interesting,” she at length decided. “As far as I can see, you’ve covered most of the important points. You will find it easier than I thought to write in our language--your beginning is most promising. Of course, you do make some errors of style....” And she proceeded to point out my mistakes, in such a manner that I felt certain never to repeat them. For possibly an hour--or two--we discussed my outline, though all the while I was conscious that there was something in Atlantis far more interesting to me than my book. I was still aware of that fact, when, at last, feeling that it was growing late, I arose reluctantly to leave. As she took my hand, Aelios flashed upon me her most genial smile, and requested, “Come again, my friend. Perhaps I’ll be able to help you some more. Our doors are always open, you know.” “Well, if it wouldn’t be asking too much of you,” I started to reply, fumbling for words, while the blood rushed all at once to my head. “It will be a pleasure. And besides,”--here she hesitated momentarily, and her fingers absently toyed with the folds of her gown--“besides, if I help you with your book, I will also be helping the State.”