I fell upon my knees and prayed.

For an hour at least I must have knelt there, seeking grace and strength; and comforted at last, my calm restored, I rose, and went to the window.

I drew back the curtains, and leaned out to breathe the physical calm of that tepid September night.
And presently out of the gloom a great grey shape came winging towards the window, the heavy pinions moving ponderously with their uncanny sough.

It was an owl attracted by the light.

Before that bird of evil omen, that harbinger of death, I drew back and crossed myself.