The congregation swayed forward, prostrating themselves upon the ground, while the Arch-Mystics gathered their wide, black robes about them and assumed attitudes of rapt contemplation.
In obedience to usage, Enid also dropped upon her knees and covered her face with her hands.

But though her pose was conventional, there was little place in her thoughts for either prayer or meditation.

One idea--and one only--absorbed her being.

How, and at what moment, must she gather strength to act?
She crouched upon the ground, her hands pressed tightly over her eyes.

It seemed to her that all the torture, all the suspense and apprehension of the universe, were gathered into that half-hour of appalling silence.