Angels and Women (1924)

172 ANGELS AND WOMENRETRIBUTIONThe sun went down, the crimson fadedand deepened to purple, gray shadows fell,and with a shiver I retired to the solitude ofmy own chamber, while Aldeth prepared asimple repast. Before it was finished theconfusion and uproar in the banquet-hall becameso great that I trembled for the safetyof my mother. "Go, Aldeth," I cried, "lingernear Samoula. You may be of service toyour mistress, and I shall be less anxious."Left alone, I went forth upon the balconyand gave myself up to melancholy reflections.Could I do aught for my mother ? She wasnow irrevocably bound to Satanas. In theAll-Powerful God alone was help. I lookedout upon the heavens. Twilight had fadedinto night. As my heart went out to God inprayer, a passing thrill gave token that thefetters of sense were removed. I saw celestialforms soaring upward, radiant and pure,though powerful as those of the Devas. Atremor fills the air; it wavers, faints, and dies