When Utis retired with me to my quarters, we held a long conversation in regard to the events of the day, which were to him no less unexpected and pleasing than to myself.
"I have hitherto belonged to those who regard the doctrine of varana rather as an ingenious hypothesis, unproved, though attractive, than as a matter of serious belief. But now, I must confess, it affords the most plausible explanation of some points in your case that otherwise are utterly bewildering. For you, at all events, it is the most satisfactory solution of your perplexities; and so, I have no doubt, it will prove to your mother."
"Have you heard from her lately?" inquired I.
"Not for three days past," was the reply. "She then, toward the end of a conversation in which she expressed her lively satisfaction arising from the account I was enabled to send in regard to you, announced that she had completed her arrangements, and would embark next morning for Valparaiso, the first stage of her journey hither."
"How long will the voyage take?"
