Shuddering, the queen again looked toward the king, to meet his scornful smile. This smile the people beheld, and further, the grand manner in which the queen drew herself up and questioned with her eloquent eyes. In their appreciation, they burst forth into their favorite cry of “All dear is Queen Atlana!” but at once hushed upon perceiving the baleful looks the king was casting at her.
Mute of their rage, they began to sway tumultuously, vengefully: then made as if they would array themselves about her as she tottered, and leaned upon the Lady Rica. And the ensuing mutterings grew into imprecations.
At this serious moment, diversion occurred. The door leading to the inner sanctuary opened, admitting a figure taller than any in that assemblage, and of such majesty that the surging crowd quieted, and a few cried out in awe:
“The ‘Silent Priest’! The ‘Silent Priest’!”
The ‘Silent Priest’ bowing in grand, yet benign manner, advanced until almost beside Oltis; then, facing the people, signed that the murmurings must cease, and the ceremonies continue. Most graceful and significant were his gestures: and even Atlano and Oltis followed them as if charmed.
As to Queen Atlana, her amazement was supreme. Never had she seen this priest, though much had she wondered over his mysterious advent upon the island, and what such presence meant. Thus she stood transfixed.
Rarely had the ‘Silent Priest’ appeared at the services. Yet, among the people, it was already whispered that, since his coming, things had changed for the better. Fewer were the animal offerings, and no handmaids had been forced into the inner sanctuary. Now it was plain that he exercised some subtle force not only upon the subordinate priests, but even upon King Atlano and the high priest as these were regarding him in reverence, in subservience.
When the king and queen were seated, the ‘Silent Priest’ went before the altar, there to raise his eyes and move his lips in prayer. But no sound came forth, for the ‘Silent Priest’ was voiceless. But such were his magnetism and expression that king, queen, priests and people followed him in awe, and partly comprehending.
When his prayer was finished, he went from the altar, a little to one side, and stood absorbed.
Then Oltis moved before the altar, and signed to the handmaids. These began to sing in such fashion that the people listened, enthralled. Soon they were gliding about the statues of Poseidon and Cleito, and in and out among the Nereids, still singing. To Hellen, knowing what he did, it was unbearable to listen to the sweet voices, and watch the graceful movements of these beautiful, innocent, perhaps doomed young girls, each wearing so charmingly her robe of filmy white, her garland of purest lilies.