sing and feeling that I should follow the advice of my soul
above all other considerations, I determined to do that which was right.
I concluded that to lose Arletta, and all the pleasures incidental to a
life with her, was but a temporary loss, but the opportunity of setting
a great example to my fellow beings, a precedent that would have lasting
influence, might never arrive again, and that it was my solemn duty to
seize this chance while I had the power to do so. So, standing erect and
without further hesitation, I took Arletta's hand in mine and said: "My
dear girl, to lose you will cause me much suffering and pain, so much
that it would be impossible for you to form any conception of it. To
lose you is to deprive me of all that is dear and sweet in this life. To
permit you to go without acceding to your wishes taxes my strength to
the utmost limit, but believe me, the life of one little human being is
of short duration in the immense sea of time, and while I am giving up
the delight and pleasure of your companionship now, I am doing so in
order that I may lend my feeble efforts toward the establishment of a
social system whereby the conditions of this world will be made such
that at some future date our souls may be able to join each other in
peace and harmony and enjoy the blessings of a heavenly world, free from
money, which I hope will eventually be the result of my present labors.
Therefore, in acting contrary to your wishes now, I feel that I am
working for your future happiness. I shall remain at my present post of
duty, trying to uplift mankind, I shall follow the dictates of my
conscience in doing this, and as long as the bones of my little anatomy
hold together as a living being and my brain has the power to reason, I
shall teach the principles of Natural Law even if all the world follows
your example and turns against me."

At the conclusion of this little speech my emotion overcame me and I
could say no more. Arletta also appeared overcome with sadness, and was
unable to speak. She withdrew her hand from mine and without a word
turned and walked slowly away, sobbing bitterly as she left. I stood and
watched her retreating form in a dazed sort of a way. With each step
which put us farther apart, increasing darkness obscured my vision. I
wanted to call her back but a lump came in my throat and I could not
speak. My brain was in a whirl. A terrible feeling of gloom over-
shadowed me. I labored under great ex