Angels and Women (1924)

156 ANGELS AND WOMENbet, I knelt to pray. "O God of Allimades,lead me unstained from this city of Sin!Show me a way of escape, even if it be bythe dreary gate of Death! But not for myselfalone would I implore Thy mercy. Mymother--though she die, save her from furthersin! O Thou Most Holy, restore herto righteousness, undefiled by the embraceof Satanas! And for one other would I dareto lift up my voice. O God of infinite mercy,Hesperus Thou didst create for glory. Hissin is not so dreadful as that of his associatesin rebellion. O Thou compassionate One,give him power to repent, restore him to Thylove, make him again a bright angel, strongto do Thy service, loving Thee more thanothers of the Heavenly host, who know notthe joy of pardoned sin!".At this instant I became conscious of apresence in the room, and heard a breathinglike a deep-drawn sigh. Hastily arising, Isaw in the doorway of the balcony, distinctlyrevealed against the evening sky, the form