In a voice whose absolute uncompromising hardness I shall hear in my ears at times till my dying day, he said: "Choose! Speak! When the sun has dipped below the sea, it will be too late!" The glory of the dying sun seemed to light up Margaret's face, till it shone as if lit from within by a noble light, as she answered: "Even that!" Then stepping over to where the mummy cat stood on the little table, she placed her hand on it.

She had now left the sunlight, and the shadows looked dark and deep over her.

In a clear voice she said: "Were I Tera, I would say 'Take all I have! This night is for the Gods alone!'" As she spoke the sun dipped, and the cold shadow suddenly fell on us.
We all stood still for a while.

Silvio jumped from my arms and ran over to his mistress, rearing himself up against her dress as if asking to be lifted.

He took no notice whatever of the mummy now.
Margaret was glorious with all her wonted sweetness as she said sadly: "The sun is down, Father! Shall any of us see it again?
The night of nights is come!".