What is one's soul ?" "One's essence, I suppose; the inner light that spreads its rays outward in actions, and that is extinguished, or expelled, at the hour of death." "Expelled, I think." "I think so too.

That which is so full of strange power cannot surely die so soon.

Even my soul, so frigid, so passionless, has, you say, held you back from sins like a leash of steel, And I did not even try to forge the steel.

If we could exchange souls, would yours hold me back in the same way ?" "No doubt." "I wonder," Valentine said thoughtfully.

After a moment he added, "shall we make this absurd experiment of sitting, just for a phantasy ?" "Why not?
It would be rather fun." "It might be.