I: we might even have met; and for some reason or other we may
have become re-incarnated now. A disciple of my creed would give
you that as the reason why you sometimes imagine you have seen me
before."

As she spoke, the dazed and troubled sensation he had once
previously experienced came upon him; he laid down the canvas he
held and passed his hand across his forehead bewilderedly.

"Yes; very curious and fantastic. I've heard a great deal about
the doctrine of reincarnation. I don't believe in it,--I can't
believe in it! But if I could: if I could imagine I had ever met
you in some bygone time, and you were like what you are at this
moment, I should have loved you,--I MUST have loved you! You see I
cannot leave the subject of love alone; and your re-incarnation
idea gives my fancy something to work upon. So, beautiful Ziska,
if your soul ever took the form of a flower, I must have been its
companion blossom; if it ever paced the forest as a beast of prey,
I must have been its mate; if it ever was human before, then I
must have been its lover! Do you like such pretty follies? I will
talk them by the hour."

Here he rose, and with a movement that was half fierce and half
tender, he knelt beside her, taking her hands in his own.

"I love you, Ziska! I cannot help myself. I am drawn to you by
some force stronger than my own will; but you need not be afraid
of me--not yet! As I said, I can wait. I can endure the mingled
torture and rapture of this sudden passion and make no sign, till
my patience tires, and then--then I will win you if I die for it!"