'I am.'
'Did I not tell thee, noble lady, thy star rode upwards in the Eastern sky? and now its light so strong, so splendid, beats upon thee, that thou art like a silver moon among the stars. Hear me, great priestess, I implore thee. Think of Endora, vile and steeped in iniquity. Pray for me that I may be forgiven—pray for me!'
And with a cry she fell to the ground.
'Take her within,' said Saronia, 'and see that she be cared for. I will follow.'
Then they raised her, and the poor thing staggered through the great court.
The priestess was soon at the side of the wretched woman, and two attendants ministered to her wants. When she revived, Saronia dismissed the girls, saying:
'Alone I will listen to this tale of grief.'
When they had departed, she took Endora's hand in hers.
'Art thou better? Say on thy story.'
'I am base, worse than thou dreamest. True, I was weak, faint for want of food; but I am not penitent. I have no desire to be forgiven. Deeper sunk is my soul by this pretending, this false asking pardon through thy intercession with the goddess. No, no, no; my spirit is too dark, too damned for cleansing! I have another motive.'