Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/335

 hundredth degree, and more? Was I not, to all intents and purposes, as regards that law, an entirely different. person from that Ismar Thiusen whose very dust had long since vanished from the earth? As much so, indeed, as Reva was a different person from Edith Alston.

If, again, as I had every reason to believe, it was the re-embodied spirit of Edith that animated Reva, had I not an indefeasible claim upon her who, according to the testimony of those time-eaten records, had been my wife? As this consideration occurred to me, it seemed conclusive. I could have cried aloud for joy. The question was settled as regarded my own doubts. What but a short time before had filled me with dismay, now, regarded from another point of view, afforded a subject for the most pleasing reflections. I almost longed for the time when it would be my privilege to reveal to her the pleasing fact that she—

At this thought all my uneasiness returned in full force. How would Reva regard the matter? The reasoning that appeared so conclusive to me might prove far from convincing to her. After debating the subject for some time with myself, I finally resolved to lay the whole matter before Hulmar, and abide by his decision. Such confidence had I in his judgment, that, even should it prove adverse to my dearest hopes,—which I little feared, for had I not common sense and justice on my side?—I would submit as to the decree of conscience. As for Reva, I knew that she, too, would accept his decision as final.

Evening was approaching when I re-entered Salu, in a very different state of mind from that with which I had left it. At my quarters I found a message awaiting me,