"I suppose the gods surround us in the heavens with the things which have pleased us most on earth."
Something made him look at the girl who flitted near, and the same thing made him connect her with this state of celestial bliss.
But he sighed and turned from her. In the heavens, of course, she was incorporeal, and, while patent to the eyes, would fail like the air itself to the touch.
He looked through the window, then, at the Forbidden City.
"But there is no fighting here now," ventured the girl.
"Naturally," agreed the soldier.
"The Forbidden City is taken."
"I am glad to hear it. How long have you been here?"
"About thirteen years."
"You couldn't have been more than three or four when you died! I don't understand."