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“No,” said the other; for in a moment I was back again, “that is an unworthy thought–it is but for a moment; and you will return to this peace again.”

But the sad thought came down upon me like a cloud. “Is there no escape?” I said; and at that, in a moment, the other spirit seemed to chide me, not angrily, but patiently and compassionately. “One suffers,” he said, “but one gains experience; one rises,” adding more gently: “We do not know why it must be, of course–but it is the Will; and however much one may doubt and suffer in the dark world there, one does not doubt of the wisdom or the love of it here.” And I knew in a moment that I did not doubt, but that I would go willingly wherever I should be sent.

And then my thought became concerned with the spirit that spoke with me, and I said, “And what is your place and work? for I think you are like me and yet unlike.” And he said: “Yes, it is true; I have to return thither no more; that is finished for me, and I grudge no single step of the dark road: I cannot explain to you what my work or place is; but I am old, and have seen many things; each of us has to return and return, not indeed till we are made perfect, but till we have finished that part of our course; but the blessedness of this peace grows and grows, while it becomes easier to bear what happens in that other place, for we grow strong and simple and sincere, and then the world can hurt us but little. We learn that we must not judge men; but we know that when we see them cruel and vicious and selfish, they are then but children learning their first lessons; and on each of our visits to this place we see that the evil matters less and less, and the hope becomes brighter and brighter; till at last we see.” And I then seemed to turn to him in thought, for he said with a grave joy: “Yes, I have seen.” And presently I was left alone to my happiness.

How long it lasted I cannot tell; but presently I seemed less free, less light of heart; and soon I knew that I was bound; and after a space I woke into the world again, and took up my burden of cares.

But for all that I have a sense of hopefulness left which I think will not quite desert me. From what dim cell of the brain my vision rose, I know not, but though it came to me in so precise and clear a form, yet I cannot help feeling that something deep and true has been revealed to me, some glimpse of pure heaven and bright air, that lies outside our little fretted lives.