"Markus," said Johannes, "I want to ask you this: I saw poor Heléne in the kingdom of the Evil One. Do you know whom I mean? You do? What does that signify? And will she be saved?"
"I know whom you mean, Johannes; but do not forget that we are all in the kingdom of the Evil One. Only in the heart of the Father are we free. The Father allows Waan to have power over all who are away from Him—even over me.
"But not for ever, Markus."
"How can that which is evil avail for ever? The melancholy seem to be the chosen ones. The burden they bear is a precious one, but only if they realize that it is of the Father. Then it sanctifies; otherwise it crushes. Some learn this first through death, as did Heléne."
"Markus," said Marjon then, "we both have had such wicked things in our heads. Shall we ever be forgiven them?"
"Tell me about them," said Markus. "I know indeed, but yet tell me."
"We have wanted to murder, out of jealousy—he and ... and I."
"That is the way with stags and buffaloes and cocks," said Markus. "They kill one another on account of their love. The strongest survives, and feels not the least remorse. And he is forgiven."
"But we are human, Markus," said Johannes.
"That is fine, dear Johannes, that you should say it of yourself. And yet you have not murdered anybody, have you?"