"Is it not a frightful thought," said Countess Dolores, "that the poor girl cannot yet have rest, but must do penance for her sinful deed?"
"I cannot believe it," said Johannes.
"But yet it was a sin."
"I would certainly forgive her."
"By which we perceive, Dolores," broke in Van Lieverlee, "that Johannes is much more kind-hearted than his beloved Lord."
"But why, Johannes, can you not assure us about that of which I have so often asked?" said the countess again. "Can you not put yourself into communication with her?"
"No, Mevrouw," replied Johannes.
"But your Mahatma, Johannes!" said Van Lieverlee. "He can do it all right. It is child's play for him."
"Of whom are you speaking?" asked the hostess, looking with quickened interest at Van Lieverlee.
"Of his Mahatma. Has he never told you about his Mahatma?"