But it is not a truth required by us now.

Our obvious duty in the present is to live this life out to its fullest and best, regarding it as a time of preparation for the next." Aubrey's thin lips framed the word "Rubbish!" but, checking it unuttered, substituted: "Quite right.

This existence _is_ a preparation for the next; just as that which preceded was a preparation for this." Then Ronnie ceased to express Helen, and gave vent to an idea of his own.
"It would make a jolly old muddle of all our relationships," he said.
"Not at all," replied Aubrey.

"It merely readjusts them, compensating for disappointments in the present, by granting us the assurance of past possessions, and the expectation of future enjoyment.

In the life which preceded this, Helen was probably _my_ wife, while _you_ were a beautiful old person in diamond shoe-buckles, knee-breeches, and old lace, who played the 'cello at our wedding." "Confound you!" cried Ronnie, in sudden fury, springing up and swinging the 'cello above his head, as if about to bring it down, with a crashing blow, upon Aubrey.