Angels and Women (1924)

112 ANGELS AND WOMENall interest in the scene before me. I wasdimly conscious, as in a confused dream, ofwonderful feats performed by men and wildbeasts, of enchantments, intoxicating odors,dancing, music and feasting. But onethought absorbed me: shall I speak with thisyoung stranger? Does he regard me withkindness?The night wore away. I remained motionlessupon the step of the dais, and stillin the doorway the white figure was seen.But although I had eyes for none other,I was not myself unobserved. Eldero, afavorite son of Satanas, stood near, regardingme with bold and insolent admiration,often addressing me in language of offensiveflattery. I grew alarmed, and was longingto change my position, when Hesperus, themaster of ceremonies, accosted me in tonesof melancholy rather than presumption."Aloma, wouldst thou go forth from thisplace?"I hesitated to reply, for, more than pres-