"I see," he mused thoughtfully. "You must
have my camera, a larger one and more bulky perhaps to carry; but
she will not object to that,--she who has stood for full lengths.
I will give you some private instructions."
"But, cher doctor, this previous-existence idea--at what do you
arrive?"
"There is much to say for it," said the doctor oracularly. "It has
survived in the belief of all ages. Who can tell? That some men
in a previous existence may have been goats or apes," continued the
doctor, looking at him curiously, "does not seem improbable! From
the time of Pythagoras we have known that; but that the individual
as an individual ego has been remanded or projected, has harked
back or anticipated himself, is, we may say, with our powers of
apperception,--that is, the perception that we are perceiving,--
is"--
But the Chevalier had fled. "No matter," said the doctor, "I will
see McFeckless." He did. He found him gloomy, distraught,
baleful. He felt his pulse. "The mixture as before," he said
briefly, "and a little innocent diversion. There is an Aunt Sally
on the esplanade--two throws for a penny. It will do you good.
Think no more of this woman! Listen,--I wish you well; your family
have always been good patients of mine. Marry some good Scotch
girl; I know one with fifty thousand pounds. Let the Princess go!"
"To him--never! I will marry her! Yet," he murmured softly to
himself, "feefty thousand pun' is nae small sum.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127