“I do not understand,” she replied musingly. Then going to her cousin’s side, who was still holding her physical hand, she said, “Cousin Frank, what are you weeping for? Do you not see how well I am?”
He did not hear her words, and she spoke again, playfully patting his face. Then she saw that she was no longer able to be heard or felt, and threw herself into my arms, weeping violently. I soothed her as best I could, upbraiding myself with foolishly teaching her the ways of our life before she was able to receive. “My child,” I said, “how glad I am to have you again with me. They will all come to us sooner or later. Now we will go to my home, for it is not well for you to remain. After a time you will be instructed in these mysteries.”
I attempted to go, but found that although I could depart alone, I could not bear Claribel with me. I had not perfected myself sufficiently in the method, and her attraction was toward that spot alone. I prayed for the coming of a companion, and soon there came one to my aid. On either side we threw our arms around her, and then our wills bore her onward with us.
When we reached our home, and the loving companions came with welcome to Claribel, and she saw beauty and perfection everywhere, and felt how happy her coming had made me, tears trembled in her eyes as she said: “It is wonderful, mother, and I ought not to regret, but you know earth-life was sweet to me, and I had plans for the future.”
“Yes, my child,” I replied, “the days were too short, and your friends were devoted, but your plans are thwarted, yet you must know that all is well.” Her towering air-castles had vanished; but soon she had far greater sources of happiness in the group of beautiful children she instructed.
I said I would not visit earth unless called, for the pain was greater than the pleasure. Even when called, I refused. “My husband,” they said, “was about to wed again.”
“It is well,” I replied; “his is the rough, earth-life, hard to walk alone. If he so desires, I ought to be willing.”
Yet I was not willing or I should have gone. It would have seemed strange, indeed, to have visited my old home, and found another in my place. It would have emphasized my death to me. Thinking the matter over, I said:
“No! I will not go. Let them be happy. I will not enter their sphere.”