Angels and Women (1924)

162 ANGELS AND WOMENbosom of this cloud were reflected a thousandopaline tints, dissolving, blending, asthe mass swayed in the breeze.An occasional flash of light or a dash ofhail gave intimation of danger, and explainedthe terror this Presence inspired. He vanishedlike a shadow, and a long time I remainedentranced by the changeful aspectsof his wonderful creation, unmindful of thepassing hours, and unobservant of the assemblynow thronging court and pavilion,roof and terrace.The spell was sharply broken by a messenger,who came in haste to inform me thatmy presence was required by the queen.Thereupon I obeyed the summons, and wastaken through a screened garden into aninner chamber exceeding all others in splendorand magnificence. Over the alabasterwalls and vaulted ceiling ran a golden trelliscovered with mimic vines and, flowerspainted in divers colors, perfumed with mistand sprinkled with gems like star-dust.