Angels and Women (1924)

CHANGE 43
restored in the distant future, when God’s
time shall have come.
"The cherub, though no longer visible, still
continues to fulfill the high behests of the
Eternal l Just beyond this frowning warder
lies the gateway of a ruined Paradise. None
dare attempt now to force an entrance, or
to seek in its pure air the lost joys of
innocence.
"Here we must offer our sacrifice, the last
which will ever ascend from this place. I
feel a melancholy pleasure in the thought.
The future is dark to my vision; beyond tomorrow’s
light stretches an impenetrable
veil; the hand of God has lowered it and I
have no fear."
My father’s voice grew unreal, a far-off
look came into his eyes; a sigh, such as had
become habitual with him, heaved his
bosom; unconscious of our presence, he
whispered:
"Ah, my brother, does not the hour draw
near ?"