interest.

"How do you argue it? The question is, how can you argue at all
about anything that is so plain and demonstrated a fact? The
doctrine of evolution proves it. Everything that we were once has
its part in us now. Suppose, if you like, that we were originally
no more than shells on the shore,--some remnant of the nature of
the shell must be in us at this moment. Nothing is lost,--nothing
is wasted,--not even a thought. I carry my theories very far,"
pursued the Doctor, looking keenly from one to the other of his
silent companions as they walked beside him through a long
corridor towards the Red Saloon, which could be seen, brilliantly
lit up and thronged with people. "Very far indeed, especially in
regard to matters of love. I maintain that if it is decreed that
the soul of a man and the soul of a woman must meet,--must rush
together,--not all the forces of the universe can hinder them;
aye, even if they were, for some conventional cause or
circumstance themselves reluctant to consummate their destiny, it
would nevertheless, despite them, be consummated. For mark you,--
in some form or other they have rushed together before! Whether as
flames in the air, or twining leaves on a tree, or flowers in a
field, they have felt the sweetness and fitness of each other's
being in former lives,--and the craving sense of that sweetness
and fitness can never be done away with,--never! Not as long as
this present universe lasts! It is a terrible thing," continued
the Doctor in a lower tone, "a terrible fatality,--the desire of
love. In some cases it is a curse; in others, a divine and
priceless blessing. The results depend entirely on the
temperaments of the human creatures possessed by its fever. When
it kindles, rises and burns towards Heaven in a steady flame of