“And do not you understand it?”
“In part—yes. But not wholly. It is not sufficient to have traced the ripple of a brain-wave through the air and followed its action and result with exactitude,—nor is it entirely satisfactory to have all the secrets of physical and mental magnetism, and attraction between bodies and minds, made clear and easy without knowing the reason of these things. It is like the light vibrations on your disc,—they come—and go; but one needs to know why and whence they come and go. I know much—but I would fain know more.”
“But is not the pursuit of knowledge infinite?”
“It may be—if infinity exists. Infinity is possible—and I believe in it,—all the same I must prove it.”
“You will need a thousand lifetimes to fulfil such works as you attempt!” exclaimed Kremlin.
“And I will live them all;”—responded El-Râmi composedly—“I have sworn to let nothing baffle me, and nothing shall!”
Dr. Kremlin looked at him in vague awe,—the dark, haughty, handsome face spoke more resolvedly than words.
“Pardon me, El-Râmi”—he said with a little diffidence—“It seems a very personal question to put, and possibly you may resent it, still I have often thought of asking it. You are a very handsome and very fascinating man—you would be a fool if you were not perfectly aware of your own attractiveness,—well, now tell me—have you never loved anybody?—any woman?”
The sleepy brilliancy of El-Râmi’s fine eyes lightened with sudden laughter.
“Loved a woman?—I?” he exclaimed—“The Fates forbid! What should I do with the gazelles and kittens and toys of life, such as women are? Of all animals on earth, they have the least attraction for me. I would rather stroke a bird’s wings than a woman’s hair, and the fragrance of a rose pressed against my lips is sweeter and more sincere than any woman’s kisses. As the females of the race, women are useful in their way, but not interesting at any time—at least, not to me.”