A land--let me not name it;--where the wealthy, high-fed ministers of the nation slowly argue away the lives of better men than themselves, with vain words of colder and more cruel force than the whirling spears of untaught savages! What have you, an ardent disciple of music, to do in such a land where favouritism and backstair influence win the day over even the merits of a Schubert? Supposing you were a second Beethoven, what could you do in that land without faith or hope? that land which is like a disappointed, churlish, and aged man with tottering feet and purblind eyes, who has long ago exhausted all enjoyment and sees nothing new under the sun. The world is wide--faith is yet extant--and the teachings of Christ are true. 'Believe and live; doubt and die!' That saying is true also."
I had listened to these words in silence; but now I spoke eagerly and impatiently, remembering what Zara had told me.
"Then," I said, "if I have been misguided by modern opinions--if I have unconsciously absorbed the doctrines of modern fashionable atheism--lead me right. Teach me what you know. I am willing to learn. Let me find out the reason of my life. SET ME FREE!"
Heliobas regarded me with earnest solemnity.
"Set you free!" he murmured, in a low tone. "Do you know what you ask?"
"No," I answered, with reckless fervour. "I do not know what I ask; but I feel that you have the power to show me the unseen things of another world. Did you not yourself tell me in our first interview that you had let Raffaello Cellini 'go on a voyage of discovery, and that he came back perfectly satisfied?' Besides, he told me his history. From you he has gained all that gives him peace and comfort. You possess electric secrets undreamt of by the world. Prove your powers upon me; I am not afraid."
Heliobas smiled. "Not afraid! And you ran out of the chapel just now as if you were pursued by a fiend! You must know that the only WOMAN I ever tried my greatest experiment upon is my sister Zara. She was trained and prepared for it in the most careful manner; and it succeeded. Now"--and Heliobas looked half-sad, half-triumphant--"she has passed beyond my power; she is dominated by one greater than I. But she cannot use her force for others; she can only employ it to defend herself. Therefore, I am willing to try you if you indeed desire it--to see if the same thing will occur to you as to Zara; and I firmly believe it will."