Angels and Women (1924)

126 ANGELS AND WOMEN
Her excitement was painful as she returned
and searched the apartment wildly.
Long habit had again mastered an awakening
conscience.
With profound pity I took her hand and
said: "Minerva, that for which you search
is not here. The Homa and your enchantments
are alike dangerous. They do not
heal, but poison the soul. But I have a cordial
for a mind diseased. Listen, and I will
tell you of this medicament. Minerva, the
Devas are cruel, unrelenting, full of hate.
The Almighty is compassionate and forgiving;
the restorative to virtue and happiness
is belief in His mercy."
"But I cannot hope, and for me there is
no mercy; you know not, simple one, the
extent of my wickedness. I must drink the
Homa, it stupefies the brain; and yet, when
its power is over, I wake to greater horror.
Whither can I turn.7 Only to death ?"
After a moment of silence she exclaimed:
"What day is this,7 The day when the