Angels and Women (1924)

CHANGE 55longed for change and adventure. God forgivemy childish folly lI left my chamber on the morning after thedreadful day, with heavy heart and a vaguesense of disquiet and danger; my mothercame forward, embraced me with much affection,and for a few moments we wept ineach other’s arms. Sensible of a flash of lightacross my tired eyes, I raised them and sawthe Lord Satanas, magnificent and haughty,standing near with a look of impatience, asif the scene displeased him; the Devas hadnot left the Hermitage. Not wishing to intrudeour grief upon strangers, I hastilywithdrew to the arbor study, hoping to remainunobserved; but the dark Hesperus followedme, saying--"Aloma, I rejoice to behold your beauty,yet your eyes are dim with weeping. Let notgrief overpower you; time will soothe thissorrow and the days again be bright." Thesewords shocked and pained me, and when heextended to me his hand--the hand that had