There are sevenths and ninths in music, beautiful and effective in their degrees; but perhaps none of them are so absolutely satisfying to the ear as the perfect chord.

And this is your lot in life and in love, my child--be grateful for it night and morning on your bended knees before the Giver of all good.

And walk warily--your own soul with that other shall need much thought and humble prayer.

Aim onward and upward--you know the road--you also know, and you have partly seen, what awaits you at the end." After this conversation we spoke no more in private together.

The rest of the afternoon was entirely occupied with the final preparations for Zara's funeral, which was to take place at Pere-la-Chaise early the next morning.