made concerning divine beings. Such were not the gods of Solon; for such
the wise and good can never be, in this world or another."

"Then you believe in a future existence?" said Aspasia, with an
incredulous smile.

With quiet earnestness, Philothea answered:--"Lady, the simple fact that
the human soul has ever _thought_ of another world, is sufficient proof
that there is one; for how can an idea be formed by mortals, unless it
has first existed in the divine mind?"

"A reader of Plato, I perceive!" exclaimed Aspasia: "They told me I
should find you pure and child-like; with a soul from which poetry
sparkled, like moonlight on the waters. I did not know that wisdom and
philosophy lay concealed in its depths."

"Is there any other wisdom, than true simplicity and innocence?" asked
the maiden.

With a look of delighted interest, Aspasia took her arm familiarly;
saying, "You and I must be friends. I shall not grow weary of you, as I
do of other women. Not of you, dearest," she added in an under tone,
tapping Eudora's cheek. "You must come here constantly, Philothea.
Though I am aware," continued she, smiling, "that it is bad policy for
me to seek a guest who will be sure to eclipse me."

"Pardon me, lady," said Philothea, gently disengaging herself:
"Friendship cannot be without sympathy."

A sudden flush of anger suffused Aspasia's countenance; and Eudora