There was a great deal of social gayety in Thursia. We went out frequently, to opera, to concert, and to crowded gatherings in splendid homes. I observed that Elodia immediately became the centre of interest wherever she appeared. She gave fresh zest to every amusement or conversation. She seemed to dignify with her presence whatever happened to be going on, and made it worth while. Not that she distinguished herself in speech or act; she had the effect of being infinitely greater than anything she did or said and one was always looking out for manifestations of that. She kept one's interest in her up to the highest pitch. I often asked myself, "Why is it that we are always looking at her with a kind of inquiry in our glances?--what is it that we expect her to do?" It was a great part of her charm that she was not _blasé_. She was full of interest in all about her, she was keenly and delightfully alive. Her manners were perfect, and yet she seemed careless of etiquette and conventions. Her good manners were a part of herself, as her regal carriage was. It was her unvarying habit, almost, to spend several hours down town every day. I ventured to ask Severnius wherefore. He replied that she had large business interests, and looked carefully after them herself. I expressed astonishment, and Severnius was equally surprised at me. I questioned him and he explained. "My father was a banker," he said, "and very rich. My sister inherited his gift and taste for finance. I took after my mother's family, who were scientists. We were trained, of course, in our early years according to our respective talents. At our parents' death we inherited their fortune in equal shares. Elodia was prepared to take up my father's business where he left it. In fact he had associated her with himself in the business for some time previous to his departure, and she has carried it on very successfully ever since." "She is a banker!" said I. "Yes. I, myself, have always had a liking for astronomy, and I have been employed, ever since I finished my education, in the State Observatory." "And how do you employ your capital?" I asked. "Elodia manages it for me. It is all in the bank, or in investments which she makes. I use my dividends largely in the interest of science. The State does a great deal in that direction, but not enough." "And what, may I ask, does she do with her surplus,--your sister, I mean,--she must make a great deal of money?"