पृष्ठ 3 / 134

"Ah! this will never do," she said, springing to her feet.

"Something is indeed wrong," and taking up her mantle she glided

swiftly through the corridors, and a few moments later was

bending over the silent and motionless form of Sarthia.

Noiseless as had been the approach of the Priestess some interior

vibration had informed Sarthia of her coming and, with a

quivering and swift movement, she sprang from her couch and threw

herself impulsively into the arms of the Priestess.

"Ah! sweet Mother, well beloved of our blessed and divine Isis,

hear me and help me," said the girl, in a whisper, tense and low,

so low as only to reach the listening ear of the Priestess.

"Speak child," answered the Priestess, caressingly clasping

Sarthia to her bosom with one strong arm, and with the other

making soft, mesmeric passes over her trembling body.