Angels and Women (1924)

172 ANGELS AND WOMEN
RETRIBUTION
The sun went down, the crimson faded
and deepened to purple, gray shadows fell,
and with a shiver I retired to the solitude of
my own chamber, while Aldeth prepared a
simple repast. Before it was finished the
confusion and uproar in the banquet-hall became
so great that I trembled for the safety
of my mother. "Go, Aldeth," I cried, "linger
near Samoula. You may be of service to
your mistress, and I shall be less anxious."
Left alone, I went forth upon the balcony
and gave myself up to melancholy reflections.
Could I do aught for my mother ? She was
now irrevocably bound to Satanas. In the
All-Powerful God alone was help. I looked
out upon the heavens. Twilight had faded
into night. As my heart went out to God in
prayer, a passing thrill gave token that the
fetters of sense were removed. I saw celestial
forms soaring upward, radiant and pure,
though powerful as those of the Devas. A
tremor fills the air; it wavers, faints, and dies