Of course there are many lives on earth--and an increasing
number as the world develops--which are generous and noble and
unselfish, without any sacrifice of purity or self-respect. But the
essence of morality is giving, and not receiving, or even practising;
the point is free choice, and not compulsion; and if one cannot give
_because_ one loves, one must give _until_ one loves."
XXVI
But all my speculations were cut short by a strange event which happened
about this time. One day, without any warning, the thought of Cynthia
darted urgently and irresistibly into my mind. Her image came between me
and all my tasks; I saw her in innumerable positions and guises, but
always with her eyes bent on me in a pitiful entreaty. After
endeavouring to resist the thought for a little as some kind of fantasy,
I became suddenly convinced that she was in need of me, and in urgent
need. I asked for an interview with our Master, and told him the story;
he heard me gravely, and then said that I might go in search of her; but
I was not sure that he was wholly pleased, and he bent his eyes upon me
with a very inquiring look.
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