most
beautiful women I had ever beheld, dressed in a robe of soft white
flannel, which, though simple, was tasteful and elegant. She had a bunch
of wild flowers in her belt, and at her neck a bow of dark yellow
ribbon. I particularly noticed these points, in my amazement at hearing
Walkirk say that this was the Mother Superior of the House of Martha.

As we approached, she greeted us pleasantly, very much as if she had
expected our coming, and then, addressing Walkirk, she said, with a
smile:

"I see, sir, that you recognize me, and I suppose you are somewhat
surprised to find me here, and thus," glancing at her dress.

"Surprised, madam!" exclaimed Walkirk. "I am astounded."

"Well," said she, "that sort of thing will happen occasionally. The
people on this island have been expecting a visit from you gentlemen,
but I really do not know where any of them are. It is not always easy to
find them, but I will go and see if the Sand Lady is in the house, and
if so I will tell her of your arrival. Of course," she continued, now
turning to me, "you both will remember that in this place we put
ourselves outside of a good many of the ordinary conventions, and are
known by our characteristics instead of our names."

I assured her we understood this, and considered it an admirable idea.

"As you, sir," turning to Walkirk, "have met me before, I will
immediately state that I am known on this island only as the
'Interpolation.'"

She turned to walk toward the house, but stopped. "We are all here to
enjoy ourselves, and it is against the rules to worry each other with
puzzles. I therefore will at once say, in explanation of my name, that I
have briefly thrust myself into the life of my friends; and of my
appearance, that the Middle-Aged Man of the Sea, who is a very
self-willed person, caused the costume which I ordinarily wear, and in
which I arrived, to be abstracted and hidden, so that I am obliged,
while here, to wear clothes belonging to others. Now, you see, Mr.
Understudy, everything is as plain as daylight."

"They have been talking about us," I remarked, as the lady rapidly
walked away, "and of course, having recognized you, she must know who I
am."

"Know you? There is no doubt of it," he answered. "She must have seen
you often in the village, although you may never have noticed her."

"I certainly never have," said I; "in fact, I make it a point not to
look under the bonnets of those gray-garbed women."

"Whe