truly becoming a vital part of you and you of me, that the miracle is too perfect, too lofty, too serenely complete to vex it with the lesser magic — the passions and the various petty vexations they entail.

“For I would become — to honour you — all that your pride would have me. I would please the world for your sake, conquer it both with mind and person. And you must endeavour to better yourself, day by day, nobly and with high aim, so that the source of my inspiration remain ever pure and fresh, and I attain to heights unthinkable save for your faith in me and mine in you.”

She smiled at me, and I said:

“Aye; but to what end?”

“To what end, Euan? Why, for our spiritual and worldly profit.”