It was evident that pious folk had taken refuge here from the storms, sorrows, and seductions of the world.

It was extremely damp in some places; indeed there was water under their feet at intervals.
Andrii was forced to halt frequently to allow his companion to rest, for her fatigue kept increasing.

The small piece of bread she had swallowed only caused a pain in her stomach, of late unused to food; and she often stood motionless for minutes together in one spot.
At length a small iron door appeared before them.

"Glory be to God, we have arrived!" said the Tatar in a faint voice, and tried to lift her hand to knock, but had no strength to do so.

Andrii knocked hard at the door in her stead.