Angels and Women (1924)

142 ANGELS AND WOMEN
accursed place and return to the kingdom of
Zaradis. Hesperus is next to Satanas in
power. He can protect Aloma." "0 Uronion,"
I entreated, "can you not believe in
the God of Minerva?" "No," he answered
gloomily, and departed.
I was now distracted by grief and self-accusation,
for there came into my mind the
visit in the eastern tower, when I saw the
wretched victims driven by the priests of
Satanas to the death-sacrifice, and held that
discourse with Minerva which led to her disobedience
of the laws of the Palace. Was
I not in some measure to blame? She must
be rescued--but in what manner could I give
her aid? Uronion is helpless, Satanas unrelenting;
to appear in his presence would
increase his displeasure. Hesperus is powerful,
but from him I could ask no favor. Must
Minerva be abandoned to her fate ? The idea
was intolerable.
Afterward I became more calm, and reflected
that in the confusion produced by the