De L'Ester—To fully freed spirits this sensation is even less emphasized. This leads me to mention that, upon becoming wholly freed, Spirits, as a rule, are not for a time able to recall vivid memories of their mortal existence. Upon attempting to manifest through some Sensitive almost invariably they are asked, "What is your name? Where did you live? When did you die?" The Spirit endeavors to place himself or herself en rapport with physical conditions involving time and space, and becomes too bewildered to give a correct reply. Should some other Spirit be present, as is usual, the bewildered one may be instructed as to how to make a proper statement. Those who have made a study of the spiritual philosophy and phenomena possess some understanding of the process of communication between the two worlds, and though both their premises and conclusions may be faulty, such knowledge as they may have acquired will, when they exchange the physical for the spiritual, serve them well. Not only will it prepare them for the surprises in store for them, but also for a more intelligent and intelligible return into the conditions of their mortal existence.
Gently, gently George, we must not forget that neither your sister or Bernard are as strong as some time they will be.
There are our friends awaiting us. Lohaû, ēmentos. Ah, Zenesta̤, you are ever punctual, and you, Humboldt and Bruno, shame us for our late arrival. It seems very ungallant to say that Gentola̤ belated us.
Gentola—Nevertheless it is true, and I beg your indulgence. I am learning that things temporal are likely to conflict with things spiritual, and this morning I have had an unpleasant demonstration of the fact. However, I believe that it was less my fault than my misfortune to be unprepared at the appointed time.
De L'Ester—As we, the jury, are in possession of the facts, we unanimously pronounce you not guilty, and now we will proceed to the department we visited yesterday. Here is the venerable antiquary still patiently poring over the story of the Da̤-Hûlos.
Zenesta—I sympathize with the earnest, gentle looking man, for I recall having passed many days and sleepless nights in similar undertakings. For many minds there is a peculiar fascination in striving to translate an unknown language. I well remember what delight it once afforded me, and the charm of it yet clings to me. But here is our geologist who will afford you further instruction in relation to these gems.
Hugh Miller—Madame, we first will observe this magnificent collection of sapphires which are so varied in their hues, so large and beautifully cut that they challenge our highest admiration.
Gentola—They are indeed wonderfully beautiful gems. It is a delight to only look at them. You say that oriental rubies are a species of sapphire. Why, I supposed that all sapphires were blue. And this, you say, is an oriental amethyst, which also is of the sapphire family. I fear that you think me, as indeed I am, very ignorant in this direction.
Hugh Miller—My dear madame, we do not expect you to be learned as to the varieties or qualities of these collections of gems; I am only concerned in instructing you for a purpose. The blue varieties are the true sapphires, as they alone possess both quality and color. They bear to both the oriental amethyst and ruby the same relation that the true white diamond bears to stones off color.
Gentola—Pardon me if I am interrupting you. Here is a gem—that one resting on the white cushion—that is so large, so radiantly beautiful, that one can imagine it of Celestial origin. Is it not a true sapphire? Yes? Ah, I thought so; it possesses such a living radiance. Since I have learned that gems are both Spirit and matter, I shall admire them all the more. How very lovely those rainbow-hued gems are; are they not opals?