“A life that changed history,” he answered her. “There have been many theorists, but none save Christ who proved his philosophy perfect in his own person.”
Joan was silent again for a while. The shadows of thought had deepened in her eyes till they looked like two pools of gloom.
“I have been thinking of that parable,” she said.
“Which parable?” he asked her.
“That which tells of the pearl of great price—where the man sold all that he had in order to possess it.”
“Yes.”
“There is profound truth to me in the words. Cannot a man take his inspiration from such a parable—sell all, dare all, to gain that single pearl. Is the present so pleasant to him that he is afraid to fling himself giant-like against custom.”
Gabriel looked at her as a man might look at one who prophesies. There was a sudden kindling of courage upon his face, but again a cloud soon covered it.
“No,” he said, slowly, “such a thing cannot be.”
“Tell me why.”