You would not be any happier
afterwards and you would be very much older. If you really desire to be
happy, I will tell you how it is possible. In the first place, are you
happy now?'
Rex fixed his stony stare, that contrasted so strangely with his
beautiful face, upon Greif's eyes. He saw there an uncertainty, a vague
uneasiness, that answered his question well enough.
'Yes,' answered the younger man in a doubtful tone, 'I suppose I am.'
'I think your happiness is not complete,' said Rex, turning away.
'Perhaps my simple plan may help you. Interrogate yourself. What is it
that you want? Find out what that something is--that is all.'
'And then?'
'And then? Why, take it, and be happy,' answered Rex with a careless
smile, as though the rule were simple enough.
'That is soon said,' replied Greif in a grave tone. 'I want what no man
can give me.'
'Nor woman either?'
'Nor woman either.' 'And something you could not take if it were
before you, within reach?'
'No. I want nothing material. I want to know the future.'
'Surely that is not a very hard thing,' answered Rex, looking at his
watch.
'It must be dinner-time,' said Greif politely, as he noticed the
action. He had no wish to detain his new acquaintance.
'Indeed, it is just noon. I fear I have kept you from some engagement.'
'I assure you, it has given me the greatest pleasure to meet you,'
answered Greif, holding out his hand.
'The pleasure has been quite upon my side,' returned Rex, bowing with
alacrity.
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