Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

DANGER IN THE DARK. 153
olics as well as you ~ How do priests themselves
escape the deleterious effects, corrupting and damning
influences of worldly enjoyment and sensual pleasures
~ They teach self-denial to others, but when do
they practice it themselves ~ They would have us
believe, that such as are called to be saints, and to
seclude themselves from the world, are favorites of
heaven- and should rejoice in being accounted
worthy to forego all earthly happiness for heaven's
sake, and the enjoyment of eminent seats in the
realms of glory on high I At the same time, however,
are disposed to take for themselves no small
portion of comfort in this world, even if it should be
at the expense of getting less in the next. They promise
you heaven upon the hardest possible conditions,
but go themselves' on flowery beds of ease.'''
The conversation was now broken off by the appearance
of Dupin, who taking Isadora by the hand said
to her, "Go with me to the confessional;" and he led
her forth, down a winding stairway to a subterraneous
cell, the door to which fastened by a spring lock, and
could only be opened from the outside. Isadora had
yet made no resistance, but fearful apprehensions and
a terrible foreboding seized upon her mind, and she
felt that her insanity was returning upon her with a
sudden stroke. As Dupin flung back the door, Isadora
discovered the Abbess within, arranging instruments
of torture. In a moment her brain was on fire,
and a reckless madness rushed upon her I With it
came the supernatural strength of the maniac; sud-
12