To
think that Arletta would leave me forever was to feel that my heart was
being torn from its fastenings. To have her as my wife, this alone
seemed to be the very greatest happiness that life could afford, and
mayhap, the promise of a million dollars was not without its allurement.
A position in the very best society of the country also loomed before my
vision, as I considered these things. On the other hand, if I refused, I
could look forward to a life of poverty, hard work, and the abuse of my
fellow beings. The temptation was a trying one, and it seemed impossible
for me to refuse Arletta's offering. As I raised my head and looked into
her beautiful eyes, which expressed great love, and tenderness, and
expectation, I felt that I could not say no to her. It seemed as if I
had been placed between honor and temptation, and was about to fall into
the arms of the latter. I hesitated a moment, undecided as to what to
do, when something within me distinctly said: "Be a man. Give up all
earthly pleasures during this life and teach Natural Law, according to
your promise." Then once again the wise words of the great Sagewoman
passed through my mind:
"Always consult your soul for advice.
"Do no act your conscience will not sanction."
Instantly arising 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.
Pages:
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190