Leo Tolstoy

“ As Nekhludoff was approaching the old general’s house the tower clock struck two. The general was at the time sitting with a young artist in the darkened reception-room, at a table, the top of which was of inlaid work, both of them turning a saucer on a sheet of paper. Holding each others fingers over the saucer, placed face downward, they pulled in different directions over the paper on which were printed all the letters of the alphabet. The saucer was answering the general’s question. How would souls recognize each other after death? ”

“ The Emperor and the country need honest people. What if I and such as you refused to serve? Who would be left? We are complaining of conditions, but refuse to aid the government.”
Nekhludoff sighed deeply, made a low bow, pressed the bony hand condescendingly extended, and departed.
The general disapprovingly shook his head, and, rubbing his loins, went to the reception-room, where the artist awaited him with the answer of Jeanne D’Arc. The general put on his pince-nez and read: “They will recognize each other by the light issuing from the ethereal bodies.” ”

“ You will never find innocent people among them. They are the most immoral set. We know them,” he said, in a tone of voice which did not permit the possibility of doubt. “You had better take an office. ”