The calls and shouts die away; the bell stops ringing; and the low muttering voice of the priest is heard beginning the Office.

The light of the candles shines upon the gaudy roof, and over the altar upon the wooden image of Saint George vanquishing the dragon, upon which the eyes of Christopher rested during some part of the service, and where to-day your eyes may rest also if you make that pilgrimage.

The moment approaches; the bread and the wine are consecrated; there is a shuffling of knees and feet; and then a pause.
The clear notes of the bell ring out upon the warm dusky silence--once, twice, thrice; the living God and the cold presence of dawn enter the church together.

Every head is bowed; and for once at least every heart of that company beats in unison with the rest.

And then the Office goes on, and the dark-skinned congregation streams up to the sanctuary and receives the Communion, while the blue light of dawn increases and the candles pale before the coming day.