“So this may be the outcome of our outrageous habit of eating sweetmeats at theaters,” muttered the doctor.  And again noting the hairless faces:  “Just what I said when men first began using those depilatories instead of shaving—­no more beards!”

But it was Billie who explained the invariable crop of hair.  “No use to look for baldness; they don’t wear hats!  Why should they, since there’s neither sun nor rain to protect their heads from?”

Mainly, however, the architect was interested in the building itself.  To her, the most striking feature was not the tremendously arched dome, nor yet the remarkable system of bracing which dispensed with any columns in all that vast space.  It was something simpler—­there were no aisles.

“Now, what do you make of that?” the girl asked Van Emmon.  “How do they ever get to their places?” But he could not suggest anything more than to recall an individual elevator scheme once proposed.

To Smith, one object of interest was the telephone system.  Remarkably like those used on the Earth, one was located in each of the tiny glass cages.  He was likewise puzzled to account for the ventilation system; each cage was apparently air-tight, yet no Venusian showed any discomfort.

But the geologist, for want of anything strictly within his professional range, interested himself in trying to fathom the moral attitude of these people.  He was still suspicious of them, notwithstanding a growing tendency to like every one of their pleasant, really agreeable faces.  There was neither solemnity, sourness, nor bitterness to be seen anywhere; at the same time, there was no sign of levity.  In every countenance was the same inexplicable mixture of wisdom and benevolence that distinguished Estra.  Nowhere was there hostility, and nowhere was there crudity.  Somehow, the big geologist would have felt more at home had he seen something antagonistic.  Essentially, Van Emmon was a fighter.

At last the four felt their attention lagging.  Novelties always pall quickly, no matter how striking.  Estra sensed the feeling and inquired: 

“Which of you will do the honors?”

Instinctively the three younger folk turned to the doctor.  He made no protest, but stepped at once to one of the microphones, put on his most impressive professional face, and began: 

“My friends”—­and Van Emmon noted a pleased look come into every face about them—­“my friends, I do not need to state how significant this meeting is to us all.  From what Estra has said, I gather that you have informed yourselves regarding us, in some manner which he has promised to make clear.  At all events, I am exceedingly anxious to see your astronomical apparatus.”

At this a broad smile came to many of the faces before him; but he went on, unnoticing:  “Certainly there is not much I could tell you which you do not already know; Estra’s use of our language proves this.  I only need to assure you that we will be glad to answer any questions that may occur to you.  It goes without saying that we, of course, are filled with delight to find your planet so wondrously and happily populated, especially after our experience on Mercury, of which, I presume, you are informed.”