fine that nothing could describe its subtly pervading odour. Every
word spoken by the Voice of my dream was vividly impressed on my
brain, and more vivid still was the recollection of the hand that
had clasped mine and led me out of sleep to waking. I was conscious
of its warmth yet,--and I was troubled, even while I was soothed, by
the memory of the lingering caress with which it had been at last
withdrawn. And I wondered as I lay for a few moments in my bed
inert, and thinking of all that had chanced to me in the night,
whether the long earnest patience of my soul, ever turned as it had
been for years towards the attainment of a love higher than all
earthly attraction, was now about to be recompensed? I knew, and had
always known, that whatsoever we strongly WILL to possess comes to
us in due season; and that steadily resolved prayers are always
granted; the only drawback to the exertion of this power is the
doubt as to whether the thing we desire so ardently will work us
good or ill. For there is no question but that what we seek we shall
find. I had sought long and unwearyingly for the clue to the secret
of life imperishable and love eternal,--was the mystery about to be
unveiled? I could not tell--and I dare not humour the mere thought
too long. Shaking my mind free from the web of marvel and perplexity
in which it had been caught by the visions of the night, I placed
myself in a passively receptive attitude--demanding nothing, fearing
nothing, hoping nothing--but simply content with actual Life,
feeling Life to be the outcome and expression of perfect Love.




IV