"I'm glad of it," said Signe; "for there is—"
She was interrupted by Alice, who came in with the announcement that others were coming up to the house. Henrik and Marie were greeted for the first time by visitors who continued to gather. For some time, white-clothed persons had been directing their steps towards the Temple. Now they were hurrying.
"It is time to go," said Rupert.
In a few moments they had changed their clothing, and with the speed of thought, they were within the Temple grounds. Entering, they took their places. Volmer passed, and he paused to speak to them. Soon the hall was filled.
The Lord of Life and Light was there, and lent of His light to the scene.
Brilliancy pervaded everything, shone from everything. It was not the sun, there being no dazzle; it was not the moon, but a clearness as of noonday. The whole Temple shed forth a lustre as if it were built of some celestial substance. The marble, the precious stones, the gold, seemed changed into light—light, pure, calm, and consolidated into form. It radiated from the throne, and from Him who sat upon it. "Around His head was as the colors of the rainbow, and under His feet was a paved work of pure gold in color like amber."
Hark! the music! How it fills the Temple, how it thrills the souls assembled. A thousand instruments blend in exquisite harmony, ten thousand voices join in the song:
"The earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength,
And truth is established in her bowels;
And the heavens have smiled upon her;
And she is clothed with the glory of her God;
For He stands in the midst of His people.
Glory, and honor, and power, and might
Be ascribed to our God; for He is full of mercy,
Justice, grace, and truth, and peace,
Forever and ever, Amen."