A4 The Ancient Gods Pursuing

speak, so that instead of saying “This is a
question I cannot answer,” his voice said:
“ Of all small things made by God, most
excellent is the face of man and woman; for
among all the faces of the children of Adam
not any one hath ever been wholly like any
other; and there in smallest space God has
placed all the senses of the body; and it is
in the face that we see, as in a glass, darkly,
all that can be seen of the invisible soul
within.”

The companions listened marvelling, but
Hilary marvelled no less than they.

“ Tt is well answered,” said the lady, “and
yet it seemed to me there was one thing
more excellent. But let me ask again: What
earth is nearest to heaven?”

Again Hilary mused and was silent. Then,
once more, the voice which was his voice and
yet spoke words which he did not think to
speak, gave the answer: “The body of Him
who died on the tree to save us, for He was
of our flesh, and our flesh is earth of the
earth.”

“That too is well answered,” said the
lady, who had grown pale and gazed on the
Bishop with great gloomy eyes; “and yet I