physical decay.

Chance, however, presents them with pictures of human beauty, fresh
from the hand of Nature. As they enter a magnificent apartment they
are astonished, but not affrighted, to perceive two figures
advancing to meet them. Is it not awful to imagine that any life,
save their own, should remain in the wide world?

"How is this?" exclaims Adam. "My beautiful Eve, are you in two
places at once?"

"And you, Adam!" answers Eve, doubtful, yet delighted. "Surely
that noble and lovely form is yours. Yet here you are by my side.
I am content with one,--methinks there should not be two."

This miracle is wrought by a tall looking-glass, the mystery of
which they soon fathom, because Nature creates a mirror for the
human face in every pool of water, and for her own great features in
waveless lakes. Pleased and satisfied with gazing at themselves,
they now discover the marble statue of a child in a corner of the
room so exquisitely idealized that it is almost worthy to be the
prophetic likeness of their first-born. Sculpture, in its highest
excellence, is more genuine than painting, and might seem to be
evolved from a natural germ, by the same law as a leaf or flower.
The statue of the child impresses the solitary pair as if it were a
companion; it likewise hints at secrets both of the past and future.

"My husband!" whispers Eve.

"What would you say, dearest Eve?" inquires Adam.