Angels and Women (1924)

ANGELS AND WOMEN
usual light that pervaded the water, and a
sudden illumination as it neared the shore, I
recognized with a sinking heart the presence
of the Star-spirits.
Perceiving our group, the boat drew to the
landing. Two well-remembered forms advanced
to the spot where we were sitting,
and Lord Satanas spoke thus: "Passing this
shore upon a hasty affair of state, we were
reminded of our last sorrowful visit, and
turned aside to enquire how fares the lovely
Samoula." Then surveying the group earnestly,
with hypocritical surprise, he exclaimed:
"Ah! what new calamity has befallen
thee, most beautiful of women ? Why
is that glorious head defiled with ashes,
which should be crowned with flowers, nay,
with a royal diadem?"
"Alas, my lord," Samoula answered,
"Cheros is dead I The decrees of fate are
against us." "0 fairest of earth’s daughters,"
said he, extending his hands to aid her,
"even fate relents in the presence of thy