Angels and Women (1924)

142 ANGELS AND WOMENaccursed place and return to the kingdom ofZaradis. Hesperus is next to Satanas inpower. He can protect Aloma." "0 Uronion,"I entreated, "can you not believe inthe God of Minerva?" "No," he answeredgloomily, and departed.I was now distracted by grief and self-accusation,for there came into my mind thevisit in the eastern tower, when I saw thewretched victims driven by the priests ofSatanas to the death-sacrifice, and held thatdiscourse with Minerva which led to her disobedienceof the laws of the Palace. WasI not in some measure to blame? She mustbe rescued--but in what manner could I giveher aid? Uronion is helpless, Satanas unrelenting;to appear in his presence wouldincrease his displeasure. Hesperus is powerful,but from him I could ask no favor. MustMinerva be abandoned to her fate ? The ideawas intolerable.Afterward I became more calm, and reflectedthat in the confusion produced by the