“Adrian, I am about to return to Greece, to become again a soldier, perhaps a conqueror. Will you accompany me? You will behold new scenes; see a new people; witness the mighty struggle there going forward between civilization and barbarism; behold, and perhaps direct the efforts of a young and vigorous population, for liberty and order. Come with me. I have expected you. I waited for this moment; all is prepared;⁠—will you accompany me?”

“I will,” replied Adrian. “Immediately?”

“Tomorrow if you will.”

“Reflect!” I cried.

“Wherefore?” asked Raymond⁠—“My dear fellow, I have done nothing else than reflect on this step the livelong summer; and be assured that Adrian has condensed an age of reflection into this little moment. Do not talk of reflection; from this moment I abjure it; this is my only happy moment during a long interval of time. I must go, Lionel⁠—the Gods will it; and I must. Do not endeavour to deprive me of my companion, the outcast’s friend.