But the dress closed, and again she sat before him, majestic and severe, a saint,—an icon among icons.

When Tichon returned with Yemelian to their place the whole assembly began to sing in a melancholy drawn voice:—

Send us Lord Thy Christ,

Send us Lord Thy Son,

Send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.

For a moment they remained hushed; and then the singing was renewed, but this time it was merry, quick, as if for a dance; the people stamped with their feet, clapped with their hands, and their eyes had a look of ecstasy:—

On the river Don

Christ dwells in our homes,

With His Angels

And Archangels,