something new--it is just as if the world were 'played out'--and
another form of planet expected."

"That is where we retain the vitality of our faith--" said Don
Aloysius--"We expect--we hope! We believe in an immortal progress
towards an ever Higher Good."

"But I think even a soul may grow tired!" said Morgana, suddenly--
"so tired that even the Highest Good may seem hardly worth
possessing!"

There was a moment's silence.

"Povera figlia!" murmured Aloysius, hardly above his breath,--but
she caught the whisper, and smiled.

"I am too analytical and pessimistic," she said--"Let us all go for
a ramble among the flowers and down to the sea! Nature is the best
talker, for the very reason that she has no speech!"

The party broke up in twos and threes and left the loggia for the
garden. Rivardi remained a moment behind, obeying a slight sign from
Aloysius.

"She is not happy!" said the priest--"With all her wealth, and all
her gifts of intelligence she is not happy, nor is she satisfied. Do
you not find it so?"

"No woman is happy or satisfied till love has kissed her on the
mouth and eyes!" answered Rivardi, with a touch of passion in his