صفحة 43 من 134

The constant presence of some of the Priests of the Temple had

been near the bodies of Nu-nah and Sarthia continuously for the

last twenty-four hours, and by their magic assistance the

vibrations of the souls to their new tenements grew stronger and

quite harmonious.

The hour of midnight was again near at hand. The reviving forms

of the two young girls were again brought into the Holy Sanctuary

of the Temple and placed in front of the Altar and the Hierophant

who had already taken his position.

The Priestesses of the Temple with their Vestals were quietly and

solemnly wending their way to their usual places. The choir had

begun to chant the opening service when Rathunor with one of the

Priests approached with slow and measured strides as if a false

movement would disturb the solemnity of this midnight's mystic

silence.

As they approached the spot where the two bodies lay, there was a

perceptible movement, as of consciousness in the silent form of

Nu-nah.