Angels and Women (1924)

iGREATER CHANGE 135gems that reflected the lamplight in scintillatinggleams.Totally unconscious of danger, she isabsorbed in the ceremonials and magnificentpreparations of which she is the brilliant center.Satanas is rarely in the queen’s apartments,being, it is remarked with somesurprise, unusually occupied in affairs ofstate.While the preparatory baths, oils, and cosmeticshave greatly heightened Samoula’sbeauty, they seem to have stupefied her reasonand conscience. Ah, my deluded mother,how gladly would I again warn her of theperils by which we are environed ! But thereis no opportunity. Jealous eyes, quick ears,and ready tongues are ever near.To this inanimate scroll will I commit mystory, and entrust my fear, hoping that somegleam of maternal affection may lead her toperuse this page and admit once more to herconfidence the child who would cheerfullylay down her life to save her.