passers-by?"     

       Brenton looked around him. People were passing and repassing where the two stood talking with each other. "Merry Christmas" was the word on all lips. Finally Brenton said, with a look of uncertainty on his face—     

       "My dear fellow, I can't talk to any of these people. I don't know them."     

       Ferris laughed at this, and replied—     

       "I don't think you will shock them very much; just try it."     

       "Ah, here's a friend of mine. You wait a moment, and I will accost him."       Approaching him, Brenton held out his hand and spoke, but the traveller paid no attention. He passed by as one who had seen or heard nothing.     

       "I assure you," said Ferris, as he noticed the look of disappointment on the other's face, "you will meet with a similar experience, however much you try. You know the old saying about one not being able to have his cake and eat it too. You can't have the privileges of this world and those of the world you left as well. I think, taking it all in all, you should rest       content, although it always hurts those who have left the other world not to be able to communicate with their friends, and at least assure them of their present welfare."     

       "It does seem to me," replied Brenton, "that would be a great consolation, both for those who are here and those who are left."     

       "Well, I don't know about that," answered the other. "After all, what does life in the other world amount to? It is merely a preparation for this. It is of so short a space, as compared with the life we live here, that it is hardly worth while to interfere with it one way or another. By the time you are as long here as I have been, you will realize the truth of this."     

       "Perhaps I shall," said Brenton, with a sigh; "but, meanwhile, what am I to do with myself? I feel like the man who has been all his life in active business, and who suddenly resolves to enjoy himself doing nothing. That sort of thing seems to kill a great number of men, especially if they put off taking a rest until too late, as most of us do."     

       "Well," said Ferris, "there is no necessity of your being idle here, I       

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