“Because you are a living Soul,” said the old woman, “and a living Soul always tires of a thing in time.”
“Why?” asked David.
“Because if it didn’t, and were perfectly satisfied, it would know no progress. It is dissatisfaction caused by growing tired of a thing, or the growing tired of a thing causing dissatisfaction, that makes one desire and seek something else. It is this desire and seeking that is the root of all progress.” David found it hard to understand her very well; her words seemed strange to him. So he just said, “Why?”
“Because you are a living Soul, David; never forget that. It is worth remembering, and it will help you to understand many strange things.”
David looked at her in silent wonder. It seemed to him as if there were a beautiful golden light about her, and he felt a gentle peace that reminded him of his own Mother.
“I should like to stay here with you,” he said.
“You may,” she answered, “until you are tired of it.”
So David remained.
If we tried to measure in days and nights as we count them, it would take very many before we had enough to cover the time that David remained there; but he was in such a happy state of mind that there seemed to him to be no time at all. This is the way it is with us all when we are truly very happy.
One day David began to grow restless. He had strapped about his waist the case that contained his hunting-knife, and had taken out the knife and was feeling of the blade. He stooped over to sharpen it on the sole of his shoe. As he did so, the little leathern pocket of the case flew open. Something fell from it. He leaned down and picked it up—a spray of tiny forget-me-nots, dried and almost colourless.