Part 14 (2/2)
For example, when it happens that a child is still-born, or for some reason must be put out of the way, neither the father nor mother is at first made aware of the fact, but the loss is immediately supplied.
Every birth is instantly communicated by telegraph to the central department, at whatever hour of night or day it may take place. The number registered every instant is great, and the birth of twins is a frequent occurrence. When a child is born dead, one of a pair of twins is transferred to the mother, and placed in her arms. If she ask any question the nurse and doctor answer her gently and kindly, but are not allowed to mention the subst.i.tution.
It is not until the patient is completely re-established, and all is in order, that she is informed of what has pa.s.sed, and she has then the option of retaining the child, or of allowing it to be taken back to its own mother. Cases of premature birth, or of deformed infants now however rarely occur, except as a consequence of accidents which cannot be prevented.
Husband and wife are now really considered and treated as one. At places of amus.e.m.e.nt, and in public conveyances, they pay for one only. In calculating the number of persons present, we say, for example, ”there are 200 doubles, and 100 singles;” this with you would make 500--we count them as 300 only.
XXIV.
FLOWERS.
”In the celestial spheres, flowers breathe music as well as fragrance.”
Allusion has been made to the use of flowers at the ”choice” meetings, as the medium through which the maiden indicates the gentleman on whom her choice has fallen.
Flowers are very beautiful in Montalluyah. They are highly cultivated, and great pains are bestowed upon them; their names are given to stars and to women, so that often a lady will at once be a.s.sociated with a beautiful flower and a brilliant star.
Every flower has a well-known language of its own; many convey comparatively long expressions of emotion, both pleasing and the reverse, and the meaning of each may be qualified or increased by its union with others. In the language of flowers all at an early age are instructed. The meaning a.s.sociated with each flower is universally understood, its name at once conveying its language as distinctly as though the whole of the sentence were spoken in so many words. Indeed many interesting, and even long conversations are carried on between a gentleman and lady through a floral medium.
A young lady, instead of entering into conversation or expressing her sentiments in words, may present a flower either in the first instance or by way of answer. A married lady receiving visitors has generally fresh flowers at hand, which she often separates to present one to the visitor.
The following are instances of language a.s.sociated with flowers:--
Vista Rodo.--A plant bearing a little flower like a diamond in transparency and brilliancy, and exhaling from every green leaf a beautiful perfume.
”The stars in heaven thou makest to blush by the sweetness of thy breath.”
”I deny not that they possess thy brilliancy, But thy fragrance they deplore.
May I hope for the boon of thy l.u.s.tre near me Through the journey of life, To teach me to be happy, To cultivate my admiration of the beautiful, To bid me seek the joys of home, And teach me the greatness of my Maker!”
Oronza.--A flower unknown to your planet. It is white, the centre studded with little spots in relief, so closely resembling turquoise and pearls that unless touched they might be mistaken for real stones placed on the flower.
”At sight of thee, malignity flies away and the spirits of peace and goodness surround me, encouraging me to all great and n.o.ble deeds, making me forget to look back on my folly, and bidding me gaze forward into the future and the realms of hope.
”You exalt me; you purify me; say you will part from me no more.”
Mosca.--The moss rose.
....”Come to me, Thy virtues are more brilliant than precious stones; Thy breath exhales intoxicating perfume; Thy beauty is a continual feast.
Tell me thy heart shall be my haven, To my bosom I will press thee, And thy leaves shall embrace me with their fragrant affection.”
Each kind of rose has its separate language. Thus, Javellina, the single-leaf hedge-rose, is a.s.sociated with lines indicative of ”the sweet purity of youth.” Angellina, the white rose, is a.s.sociated with lines indicative of ”gentle endurance and pure love;” and Orvee, the yellow rose, with lines indicative of ”affection combined with jealousy.”
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