"Millennium is the reign of the Saints," said Foster, somewhat
doubtfully.
"Say it is the reign of the Sages, my son," answered Alasco; "or rather
the reign of Wisdom itself."
"I touched on the question with Master Holdforth last exercising night,"
said Foster; "but he says your doctrine is heterodox, and a damnable and
false exposition."
"He is in the bonds of ignorance, my son," answered Alasco, "and as yet
burning bricks in Egypt; or, at best, wandering in the dry desert of
Sinai. Thou didst ill to speak to such a man of such matters. I will,
however, give thee proof, and that shortly, which I will defy that
peevish divine to confute, though he should strive with me as the
magicians strove with Moses before King Pharaoh. I will do projection
in thy presence, my son,--in thy very presence--and thine eyes shall
witness the truth."
"Stick to that, learned sage," said Varney, who at this moment entered
the apartment; "if he refuse the testimony of thy tongue, yet how shall
he deny that of his own eyes?"
"Varney!" said the adept--"Varney already returned! Hast thou--" he
stopped short.
"Have I done mine errand, thou wouldst say?" replied Varney. "I have!
And thou," he added, showing more symptoms of interest than he had
hitherto exhibited, "art thou sure thou hast poured forth neither more
nor less than the just measure?"
"Ay," replied the alchemist, "as sure as men can be in these nice
proportions, for there is diversity of constitutions."
"Nay, then," said Varney, "I fear nothing. I know thou wilt not go a
step farther to the devil than thou art justly considered for--thou wert
paid to create illness, and wouldst esteem it thriftless prodigality to
do murder at the same price. Come, let us each to our chamber we shall
see the event to-morrow."
"What didst thou do to make her swallow it?" said Foster, shuddering.
"Nothing," answered Varney, "but looked on her with that aspect which
governs madmen, women, and children. They told me in St. Luke's Hospital
that I have the right look for overpowering a refractory patient. The
keepers made me their compliments on't; so I know how to win my bread
when my court-favour fails me."
"And art thou not afraid," said Foster, "lest the dose be
disproportioned?"
"If so," replied Varney, "she will but sleep the sounder, and the fear
of that shall not break my rest. Good night, my masters."