disappeared the following day when the strength of his rational nature has resumed his activity. Breakfasting with Monsieur Becker, "by the time they had swallowed their fifth cup of tea," says Balzac, these philosophers had come to think that "the celestial truths to which they had listened were arguments susceptible of examination," and "Seraphita a charming seductive, and eloquent girl."

"Bah," says the worthy pastor, "the final word of all these fine enigmas is six feet under ground,"

Barabbas the robber in indeed released unto us when we reject the truth that would save us from his depredations.

Following the thread of continuity, we are prepared for the final scene where only Wilfred and Minna are with Seraphita-Seraphitus at his death. The nature of his death is indicated by the time of the occurrence, the springtime, the bursting forth, from the covering which has hidden so long, of the green foliage, the buds and blossoms which smile in the sunlight. It is the resurrection -- the breaking of the divine soul from the trammels in which it has been begotten, but which are powerless to hold it longer, and its ascension to its eternal abode.

In the walk which they take together, Seraphita bids farewell to earth, even though it was never more beautiful than now. The heavenly wings are being plumed for flight. Standing in "this immensity of Nature," where the village was "a lost point in the