"For though you might live many years after her, still you would know in yourself that those years were but minutes in the realms of space--" "Minutes that decide our destinies," he interrupted with solemnity.
"And there is always this possibility to contemplate--suppose Zara were to leave me now, how can I be sure that I shall be strong enough to live out my remainder of life purely enough to deserve to meet her again?
And if not then Zara's death would mean utter and almost hopeless separation for ever--though perhaps I might begin over again in some other form, and so reach the goal." He spoke so musingly and seriously that I was surprised, for I had thought him impervious to such a folly as the fear of death.
"You are melancholy, Heliobas," I said.

"In the first place, Zara is not going to leave you yet; and secondly, if she did, you know your strongest efforts would be brought to bear on your career, in order that no shadow of obstinacy or error might obstruct your path.

Why, the very essence of our belief is in the strength of Will-power.

What we WILL to do, especially if it be any act of spiritual progress, we can always accomplish." Heliobas took my hand and pressed it warmly.
"You are so lately come from the high regions," he said, "that it warms and invigorates me to hear your encouraging words.

Pray do not think me capable of yielding long to the weakness of foreboding.