He slightly parted the heavy curtains that separated the conservatory from the company and looked between.

He almost stopped breathing.

He had read of things like that, but he never had seen them.
The open space seemed to stretch through half a dozen rooms, all ablaze with lights, perfumed with flowers, and filled with elegantly dressed people.

There were glimpses of polished floors, sparkling glass, and fine furnishings.

From somewhere, the voice of his beloved Bird Woman arose and fell.
The Angel crowded beside him and was watching also.
"Doesn't it look pretty ?" she whispered.
"Do you suppose Heaven is any finer than that ?" asked Freckles.
The Angel began to laugh.
"Do you want to be laughing harder than that ?" queried Freckles.
"A laugh is always good," said the Angel.