Angels and Women (1924)

GREATER CHANGE 145
apartment engaged in earnest conversation.
Frightened at the temerity which had led
me to such a place, and full of apprehension
as to the consequences if I were discovered,
I shrank behind a large pillar, and was entirely
screened from sight. Presently a door
opened and the speakers came forth.
"The Preacher is guarded by the Almighty,
him we may not molest," said Hesperus
gravely; "but vengeance must overtake
the daring one who leaves the Palace
of Light to listen to his fables. The offense
of Minerva is unpardonable."
"But, my lord," said Uronion (I trembled
at his words), "Minerva went not forth
alone. The Princess Aloma was her companion.
Together they drove through the
streets of the city, and coming out on the
farther side, impelled by curiosity, or perhaps
by the desire of the young girl, they
stopped to listen. 0 my lord, you know not
the passion of love, and fail to appreciate
my distress."