De L'Ester—For having afforded us an interesting half hour we are your debtors. Certainly it is a surprise to learn that in this city your last rebirth occurred, and that in yonder stately Kinos draped residence your earliest Ento experiences came to you. Since we all at one time or another have tasted of the sweets of joy and the bitterness of sorrow, we know how to sympathize with the joys and sorrows of others, and what sorrow is so pathetic as that of a young child Soul, whose tender feet are essaying their first steps upon the rugged pathway of mortal existence. No, Gentola̤, repeated embodiments do not inure the mortal expression of the Ego to the sorrows and vicissitudes of the physical plane, but through such experiences the Ego evolves into loftier, grander states of Being. Does the Ego and its mortal expression mutually experience joy and sorrow? Aye, truly, but the ego knows, while the objective expression or Soul only sees through a glass darkly. Only the fully freed Ego is capable of comprehending this occult statement, so patiently you will await its solution.
Here are our explorers. Have you found aught of interest?
George—We only have glanced here and there, but can assure you that we might linger here for a day and then leave this hoary Roûva̤ with regret. It is so quaint, so enchanting, that I propose that some time when you and my sister may feel so inclined we will again bring you to Roûva̤, that together we all may view its many objects of interest. You will be delighted to come? Then that matter is settled, and Bernard will relate an incident of our half hour ramble that may amuse you.
Bernard—Mother, dear, you should have seen how George startled a young Priest who stood in the doorway of a Temple talking to an elderly, dignified personage. As we approached them the priest said: "Yes, yes, we are hearing of strange proceedings in many places, but more particularly in the Palace of our Supreme Ruler, where the Princess Valloa̤ is thought to be dying. May the pitiful gods prolong her days. Think of it, sir, think of it, it is openly said that Prince Dano, as also the Princess Valloa̤, declare by the Gods that they both see and converse with those who long have been in the Silence, and whose ashes attest to their nothingness. Your pardon, sir, but truly it is so very absurd that I cannot forbear smiling when I think of what Prince Dano has given utterance to. Why, he goes so far as to assert that not only has he talked with the dead, but with a woman who says she belongs to a World somewhere in space. I cannot at this moment recall the name of this World, and have not learned where it is supposed to be located, but he declares that she not only spoke to him, but touched him, yes, sir, really touched him. Of course this is the merest hallucination, for persons of healthful minds never are subject to such vagaries. It is true that in past times on momentous occasions the Gods have, and do now, speak to our High Priests, and with the Most High Priest of the Inner Temple Zim, but with the people, never. Fancy yourself, sir, indulging in such wild imaginings as that the dead, or a being from an unimaginable World have spoken to you, or what is quite as impossible, touched——" Just then George touched him on the extended right hand, and with a start instantly he stopped talking, and for a moment looked at his hand, then glanced about him with such a perplexed expression that the man with whom he was speaking regarded him with some surprise, and an inquiry as to what had disquieted him. Recovering himself, he attempted to explain that he had experienced a peculiar sensation, but he got no further, for George gave him such a palpable touch on his left hand, then on his face, that he cried out in terror: "Save me, Andûmana̤, save me, save me," and fled through the temple and out at a rear door, leaving the dignified personage in a state of bewilderment. Mother, it was such a droll performance that I shall laugh whenever I think of it. Oh, no, I did not understand what the Priest said; George translated it for me.
De L'Ester—George, if your exploit is not altogether commendable, at least it is amusing, and certainly you have given the priest who evidently is a Sensitive, a novel experience, which may serve as a stepping stone toward his later enlightenment. I fancy that he will not relate his strange experience to his Superiors, who already are greatly agitated over the weird reports with which the air is vibrant, and which soon will be so augmented as to overwhelm both priests and people.
Roûva̤, we now must say to you Info Oovistû. The hours are swiftly passing and at any moment we may be called upon to turn our faces toward Da̤o. No, we do not consider Valloa̤'s departure imminent, but in her devitalized state it soon may occur, and we must hold ourselves in readiness for our part in the closing scene of the momentous occasion.
George, we will rise to a greater height, so that Gentola̤'s vision may command extensive views of the countries over which we shall pass. It is not likely that we shall alight more than twice between Roûva̤ and the western shore of Indoloisa̤.
Ah, Gentola̤, you have grown weary. In our eagerness to afford you views of many things we forget that you are not like ourselves, tireless. George will escort Bernard to his bright home, so make your adieus to him and our friends, and then I shall bear you swiftly to your home, where ere now you should have arrived.
In no more than five minutes we have crossed the space between Ento and Earth. Yes, a speedy passage, but when again you shall be a freed Spirit, you will journey with the quickness of thought.
I pray you to retire early and rest; rest until to-morrow, when we will come for you.