again and moved away to the corner of the
mantelshelf, for the nearness and the touch of her intoxicated him.
Flamby did not stir. The mound of ashes settled lower in the grate. Paul
took up his hat and walked to the door.

"Good night, Flamby," he said. "Wait for me. I shall be waiting for
you."

The door closed and Flamby heard footsteps retreating along the gallery.
As the sound became inaudible, a maroon burst dully at no great distance
away. Flamby leapt to her feet. Her eyes were wild as she stood there,
hands clenched tightly, and listened. A second maroon gave warning of
the approaching air raiders. Flamby ran to the door, threw it open and
sprang out into the brilliant moonlight as police whistles began to
skirl in the distance. The slender chain about her neck parted
unaccountably and unperceived by Flamby her locket fell at her feet.

"Paul!" she cried. "Paul! come back--come back!"

But only an echo which dwelt in the arch of the entrance answered her,
saying sadly: "Paul ... Paul ..."

* * * * *

Heedless of those who urged him to take cover, of the flat shrieking of
whistles and later of the roar of the barrage, Paul walked on under the
stars of a perfect night and above him droned the Gotha engines. He
prayed silently.

"Master of Destiny, all-Merciful God, suffer me to die that I may be
reborn a wiser and a better man. Of Thine infinite mercy guide the steps
of Yvonne who was my wife. Grant her the happiness for which she sought
and which I denied her. To those who wait give faith and fortitude: to
me, O God, give death. Amen."

A bomb fell shrieking through the air and burst with a rumbling
monstrous peal, digging a pit, a smoking grave, on the spot where Paul
had stood. His body was scattered like flock by the wind; his spirit was
drawn into the ceaseless Loom.

OM MANI PADME HUM.

PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN AT THE NORTHUMBERLAND PRESS, THORNTON STREET,
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE

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