Page:The Great Secret.djvu/216

200 for the sake of their hosts to welcome this new couple and do honour to them. Philip and Adela felt this and their own insignificance before they were very long amongst these youthful-looking sages, philosophers, poets, painters, musicians and sculptors. It was a gathering of the gods and goddesses, and the newcomers were contented to sit and listen, or look round them and admire.

"This is just a little too fine for me," whispered Captain Nelson in Philip's ear. "I'm going back to England, if they will show me the route to-morrow; I want to see how my poor wife is getting along."

"Perhaps it would be wiser to leave such earthly affairs alone, my friend," answered Hesperia quietly. "Still, if you desire it, to-morrow you can be in England, even now, if you wish to leave us."

"No, my dear friend, to-morrow will suit me perfectly," answered the gallant captain hastily, and with crimson cheeks.

"It is better, as a rule, not to return to earth too quickly; not before we have acquired the philosophy to view calmly and dispassionately the frailties, meannesses, and other imperfections of the flesh. While in the body, you could only see what was set before you to look at, and that was best for your earthly happiness; but now all thoughts, as well as all actions, by day or night, are revealed to you, as your thoughts are to us."

"Still, I wish to see my wife and my home," said the captain stoutly.

"So you shall," answered Hesperia; "for to-night, stay with us, and to-morrow we will speed you on your way."

"You have no desire to go back to the present world, have you?" asked the hostess, turning to the newlywedded pair.