There was an indescribable sadness in their full dark eyes.
They spake not a word.
Suddenly the paneling of the cabin ceiling parted, and disclosed a staircase wrapped in dim, uncertain light.
Adown these steps came a most gracious being, so white and fair and lovely that I gazed with bated breath.
Down, down it came, nearer and nearer.
She needed but wings to be an angel!
But, oh! her fair face was so filled with sorrow!
Her lips were parted, her long black hair fell in confused tresses on her shoulders.
She stepped into the cabin. And then, with a quick, dread look, her gaze fell upon the seven bowed figures.
“Paula!” they cried, and drew their white robes over their heads.