modern social problems and theories with a Socratic-like
incisiveness and composure such as our parliamentary howlers would
do well to imitate. Their doctrine is.. but I will not bore you by
a theological disquisition,--enough to say it is founded on
Christianity, and that at present I don't quite know what to make
of it! And now, my dear Villiers, farewell! An answer to this is
unnecessary; besides I can give you no address, as it is uncertain
where I shall be for the next two or three months. If I don't get
as much pleasure as I anticipate from the contemplation of the
Babylonian ruins, I shall probably take up my abode in Bagdad for
a time and try to fancy myself back in the days of 'good Haroun
Alrascheed'. At any rate, whatever becomes of me, I know I have
entrusted my Poem to safe hands--and all I ask of you is that it
may be brought out with the least possible delay,--for its
IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION seems to me just now the most vitally
important thing in the world, except ... except the adventure on
which I am at present engaged, of which more hereafter, ... when
we meet. Until then think as well of me as you can, and believe me
"Ever and most truly your friend,
"THEOS ALWYN."

This letter finished, folded, and sealed, Alwyn once more took up
his manuscript and meditated anew concerning its title. Stay! ...
why not call it by the name of the ideal heroine whose heart-
passion and sorrow formed the nucleus of the legend? ... a name
that he in very truth was all unconscious of having chosen, but
which occurred frequently with musical persistence throughout the
entire poem. "NOURHALMA!" ... it had a soft sound ... it seemed to
breathe of Eastern languor and love-singing,--it was surely the
best title he could have. Straightway deciding thereon, he wrote