Finally, I found it necessary to act myself. I could not stand the
sight of Harley being gradually eaten up by the longing of his own
soul, and I tried my hand at exploration. I had no better success
for several weeks; and then, like an inspiration, the whole thing
came to me. "She won't come when he summons her, because she loves
him. She won't summon him to come to her, for the same reason. Why
not summon both of them yourself to a common ground? Embalm them in
a little romance of your own. Force them if need be, but get them
there, and so bring them together, and let them work out their own
happiness," said I to myself. The only difficulty that presented
itself was as to whether or not Marguerite would allow herself to be
forced. It was worth the trial, however, and fortune favored me. I
found her far from rebellious. My pen had hardly touched paper when
she materialized, more bewilderingly beautiful than ever. I laid the
scene of my little essay at Lake-wood, and I found her sitting down
by the water, dreamily gazing out over the lake.
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