when the something that has conquered us seems nearer to ourselves
than the part of us that has yielded. Of all our characteristics,
self-esteem is the one that most readily changes its home, for we
are instinctively aware that it has never truly formed part of us.
The self-esteem of the courtier who waits on the mighty king soon
finds more splendid lodging in the king's boundless power; and the
disgrace that may befall him will wound his pride the less for that
it has descended from the height of a throne. Were nature to become
less indifferent, it would no longer appear so vast. Our unfettered
sense of the infinite cannot afford to dispense with one particle of
the infinite, with one particle of its indifference; and there will
ever remain something within our soul that would rather weep at
times in a world that knows no limit, than enjoy perpetual happiness
in a world that is hemmed in.

If destiny were invariably just in her dealings with the wise, then
doubtless would the existence of such a law furnish sufficient proof
of its excellence; but as it is wholly indifferent, it is better so,
and perhaps even greater; for what the actions of the soul may lose
in importance thereby does but go to swell the dignity of the
universe. And loss of grandeur to the sage there is none; for he is
as profoundly sensitive to the greatness of nature as to the
greatness that lurks within man. Why harass our soul with endeavour
to locate the infinite? As much of it as can be given to man will go
to him who has learned to wonder.

78. Do you know a novel of Balzac, belonging to the "Celibataires"
series, called Pierrette? It is not one of Balzac's masterpieces,
but it has points of much interest for us. It is the story of an
orphaned Breton girl, a sweet, innocent child, who is suddenly