Angels and Women (1924)

68 ANGELS AND WOMEN
Lay aside these unseasonable fears, and
come with me to the banquet."
Again I answered---could I say aught else ?
---"Nay, my mother."
With a sigh Samoula retired; and when I
had partaken of the simple food Aldeth
brought for my repast, I commended myself
to God, and afterward slept in peace, though
at intervals during the night I was awakened
by unusual noises in the forest--the crash of
falling trees and the sound of mechanical implements.
My first consciousness in the morning was
self-reproach that I had left my mother and
Aldeth so long alone with our dangerous
guests. Robed more closely than usual, with
a fold of linen over my head, I opened the
door of my room, and saw at the farther extremity
of the avenue the majestic form of
Satanas standing before Samoula, who sat
with her face averted from his gaze.
As I slowly walked toward them, I observed,
more perfectly than ever, the mag-