“I know they’re absurd⁠ ⁠… these phrases⁠ ⁠…” he went on. “Words like ‘pluralism’ and ‘dualism’ and ‘monism.’ But what they make me think of is just a particular class of vague, delicious, physical sensations! And it’s the idea of there having been feelings like these, in far-off, long-buried human nerves, that pleases us both so much. It makes life seem so thick and rich and complicated, if you know what I mean?”

They were both silent, and presently she struggled stiffly to her feet.

“And now, Wolf dear,” she said, “I’m sure it’s time we went on! I don’t like being the one to say it⁠ ⁠… or being the one to interrupt our thoughts⁠ ⁠… but Father will be back, and Gerda will be expecting you.”