"I'm sure I am," remarked De Forrest. "I could never be satisfied to admire at a distance. I could not join in a prayer I once heard, 'Lord, we thank thee for this and all other worlds.'" "Could you?" asked Lottie of Hemstead. "Why not?" "That is no answer." Hemstead was growing more at ease, and when he only had to use his brains was not half so much at a loss as when he must also manage his hands and feet, and he replied laughingly: "Well, not to put too fine a point upon it, this world is quite useful to me at present. I should be sorry to have it vanish and find myself whirling in space, if I am a rather large body. But as I am soon to get through with this world, though never through with life, I may have a chance to enjoy a good many other worlds--perhaps all of them--before eternity is over, and so be grateful that they exist and are in waiting." "Good heavens!" exclaimed Lottie. "What a traveller you propose to be. I should be satisfied with a trip to Europe." "To Paris, you mean," said Bel. "Yes," replied Mr. Hemstead, "until the trip was over." "Then I trust she will be content with New York," insinuated De Forrest; "for Mr. Hemstead speaks as if the stars were created for his especial benefit." "You are enjoying some honey, Mr. De Forrest?" said Hemstead, quietly. "Yes." "Did the flowers grow and the bees gather for your especial benefit?" "I admit I'm answered." "But," said sceptical Mr. Harcourt, "when you've got through with this world how do you know but that you will drop off into space?" "Come," said Addie, rising from the table, "I protest against a sermon before Sunday." They now returned to the parlor, Hemstead making the transition in safety, but with no little trepidation. CHAPTER III. PUZZLED AND INTERESTED.