"Dost thou not think so, my brother?"
"I think that Christ is worth suffering; for," said Carlos at last. "And that nothing short of his personal presence, realized by faith, can avail to bring any man victorious through such fearful trials. May that--may he be with his faithful servant now, when all human help and comfort are far away."
XXI.
By the Guadalquivir
"There dwells my father, sinless and at rest,
Where the fierce murderer can no more pursue."--Schiller
Next Sunday evening the brothers attended the quiet service in Doña Isabella's upper room. It was more solemn than usual, because of the deep shadow that rested on the hearts of all the band assembled there. But Losada's calm voice spoke wise and loving words about life and death, and about Him who, being the Lord of life, has conquered death for all who trust him. Then came prayer--true incense offered on the golden altar standing "before the mercy-seat," which only "the veil," still dropped between, hides from the eyes of the worshippers.[#] But in such hours many a ray from the glory within shines through that veil.
[#] See Exodus xxx 6.
"Do not let us return home yet, brother," said Carlos, when they had parted with their friends. "The night is fine."
"Whither shall we bend our steps?"
Carlos named a favourite walk through some olive-yards on the banks of the river, and Juan set his face towards one of the city gates.