Angels and Women (1924)

156 ANGELS AND WOMEN
bet, I knelt to pray. "O God of Allimades,
lead me unstained from this city of Sin!
Show me a way of escape, even if it be by
the dreary gate of Death! But not for myself
alone would I implore Thy mercy. My
mother--though she die, save her from further
sin! O Thou Most Holy, restore her
to righteousness, undefiled by the embrace
of Satanas! And for one other would I dare
to lift up my voice. O God of infinite mercy,
Hesperus Thou didst create for glory. His
sin is not so dreadful as that of his associates
in rebellion. O Thou compassionate One,
give him power to repent, restore him to Thy
love, make him again a bright angel, strong
to do Thy service, loving Thee more than
others of the Heavenly host, who know not
the joy of pardoned sin!"
.At this instant I became conscious of a
presence in the room, and heard a breathing
like a deep-drawn sigh. Hastily arising, I
saw in the doorway of the balcony, distinctly
revealed against the evening sky, the form