are different from ours; and perhaps one of their unhappy methods is to
seek to medicine a real misery by imagining some impossible and
immeasurably greater one. In no other way can I account for your strange
words to me; for I cannot believe that any race exists so debased as
actually to practice the things you speak of. Remember that I do not ask
or desire to be informed. We have a different way; for although it is
conceivable that present misery might be mitigated, or forgotten for a
season, by giving up the soul to delusions, even by summoning before the
mind repulsive and horrible images, that would be to put to an unlawful
use, and to pervert, the brightest faculties our Father has given us:
therefore we seek no other support in all sufferings and calamities but
that of reason only. If you wish for my affection, you will not speak of
such things again, but will endeavor to purify yourself from a mental
vice, which may sometimes, in periods of suffering, give you a false
comfort for a brief season, only to degrade you, and sink you later in a
deeper misery. You must now leave me."

This unexpected and sharp rebuke did not anger me, but it made me very
sad; for I now perceived plainly enough that no great advantage would
come to me from Chastel's acquaintance, since it was necessary to be so
very circumspect with her. Deeply troubled, and in a somewhat confused
state of mind, I rose to depart. Then she placed her thin, feverish
white hand on mine. "You need not go away again," she said, "to indulge
in bitter feelings by yourself because I have said this to you. You may
come with the others to see me and talk to me whenever I am able to sit
here and bear it. I shall not remember your offense, but shall be glad
to know that there is another soul in the house to love and honor me."

With such comfort as these words afforded I returned to the music-room,
and, finding it empty, went out to the terrace, where the others were