"
"We are not the parents of his soul, which is as ancient as our own,
Barbara."
"No, but for a while it was given into my hand and I deserted it, and
now I am afraid. How can I tell what has chanced to the soul of this
son of ours? Here there is no time. I know not if I bade it farewell
yesterday or ten thousand years ago. Long, long since it may have passed
through this world, where it would seem we dwell only with those whom we
seek or who seek us. Or it may abide upon the earth and there grow foul
and hateful. Let us search out the truth, Anthony. There are those who
can open its gates to us if the aim be pure and good."
"After I died, Barbara, I strove to learn how things went with you, and
strove in vain."
"Not altogether, Anthony, for sometimes you were very near to me, or so
I dreamed. Moreover, the case was different."
"Those who search sometimes find more than they seek, Barbara."
"Doubtless. Still, it is laid on me. Something drives me on."
So by the means appointed they sought to know the truth as to this son
of theirs, and it was decreed that the truth should be known to them.
In a dream, a vision, or perchance in truth--which they never knew--they
were drawn to the world that they had left, and the reek of its sins and
miseries pierced them like a spear.
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