Now the happiness of that week is, of course, a fact for him.

It would not have been greater had it lasted a whole fortnight; and it would not have been less had he died at the week's end.

But though obviously, as Professor Huxley says, it in no way depends on its prolongation, what it does depend on is the belief that it will be prolonged, and that in being prolonged it will change its character.

It depends on the belief on the painter's part that he will be able to continue his painting, and that as he continues it, his picture will advance to completion.

The positivists have confused the true saying that the pleasure of painting one picture does not depend on the fact that we shall paint many, with the false saying that the pleasure of beginning that one does not depend on the belief that we shall finish it.