“Did you ever feel, Miss Bernard, that extended vision of life's conditions incapacitated us for real, vigorous service?”
“I have felt at times it might be so, but am convinced that it does not; it only deepens our effort and endeavor.”
“I have often thought that I was unfitted for life, from the very fact that I saw so much to be done.”
“When we see so much it makes us meditate, and that very condition gives birth to greater power.”
“True, and yet I often wish I did not see so much. Why do I not oftener feel a power somewhat commensurate with the demand and wish?”
“I suppose, because the power is born of the time and the need, and not a burden to encumber us on our way. It is not of material nature; cannot be packed and stored away for some occasion that may arise, but is proportioned and adapted to the kind and quality of the requirement.”
“You have explained it just as I felt it somewhere in my soul. The thought in me needed the quickening of another mind. You do me good, Miss Bernard, every moment. O, how much we need interchange of thought.”
“We do, indeed, in order to know ourselves, if nothing more. But I see that you are weary. Stay with us and rest, will you? New atmospheres are good to throw off fatigue in.”
“I should indeed be delighted to stay here. Was Ralph fond of being here?”
“Very; and he is here now.”