Angels and Women (1924)

i
GREATER CHANGE 135
gems that reflected the lamplight in scintillating
gleams.
Totally unconscious of danger, she is
absorbed in the ceremonials and magnificent
preparations of which she is the brilliant center.
Satanas is rarely in the queen’s apartments,
being, it is remarked with some
surprise, unusually occupied in affairs of
state.
While the preparatory baths, oils, and cosmetics
have greatly heightened Samoula’s
beauty, they seem to have stupefied her reason
and conscience. Ah, my deluded mother,
how gladly would I again warn her of the
perils by which we are environed ! But there
is no opportunity. Jealous eyes, quick ears,
and ready tongues are ever near.
To this inanimate scroll will I commit my
story, and entrust my fear, hoping that some
gleam of maternal affection may lead her to
peruse this page and admit once more to her
confidence the child who would cheerfully
lay down her life to save her.