"
"But suppose it is a belief founded upon a fact?"
"Of course that would entirely alter the matter."
The two men looked across at one another with a long and direct glance
full in the eyes. Cuckoo watched them anxiously. Julian sat with his
eyes cast down. He seemed unaware that there was any one near him, any
conversation going on around him. Wade moved softly about, ministering
to the wants of his master's guests. Course succeeded course.
"Do you propose to give me a fact proving the reasonableness of
entertaining a belief that a man, by his own deliberate action of the
will, can compass immortality on earth, or even prolong his life in such
a way as this, for instance; by the successful domination, or banishment,
of any disease recognized as mortal?--For I acknowledge that the will to
live may prolong for a certain time a life threatened merely by the
sapping action of old age.--Do you propose to give me a fact to prove
that?"
"I do not say that I intend to give it to you," Valentine answered, with
scarcely veiled insolence.
"But you know of such a fact?" said the doctor, ignoring his host's tone.
"Possibly."
The voice of Valentine thrilled with triumph as he spoke the word. Again
he glanced at the lady of the feathers.
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