now Him!" murmured Lilith, in a voice of fear and doubt.

"Therefore it is that thou art miserable," said Adam.

"I will go back whence I came!" she cried, and turned, wringing her
hands, to depart.

"That is indeed what I would have thee do, where I would have thee
go--to Him from whom thou camest! In thy agony didst thou not cry out
for Him?"

"I cried out for Death--to escape Him and thee!"

"Death is even now on his way to lead thee to Him. Thou knowest neither
Death nor the Life that dwells in Death! Both befriend thee. I am dead,
and would see thee dead, for I live and love thee. Thou art weary and
heavy-laden: art thou not ashamed? Is not the being thou hast corrupted
become to thee at length an evil thing? Wouldst thou yet live on in
disgrace eternal? Cease thou canst not: wilt thou not be restored and
BE?"

She stood silent with bowed head.

"Father," said Mara, "take her in thine arms, and carry her to her
couch. There she will open her hand, and die into life."

"I will walk," said the princess.

Adam turned and led the way. The princess walked feebly after him into
the cottage.

Then Eve came out to me where I sat with Lona in my bosom. She reached
up her arms, took her from me, and carried her in. I dismounted, and the
children also. The horse and the elephants stood shivering; Mara patted
and stroked them every one; they lay down and fell asleep. She led us
into the cottage, and gave the Little Ones of the bread and wine on the
table. Adam and Lilith were standing there together, but silent both.

Eve came from the chamber of death, where she had laid Lona down, and
offered of the bread and wine to the princess.

"Thy beauty slays me! It is death I would have, not food!" said Lilith,
and turned from her.

"This food will help thee to die," answered Eve.

But Lilith would not taste of it.

"If thou wilt nor eat nor drink, Lilith," said Adam, "come and see the
place where thou shalt lie in peace."

He led the way through the door of death, and she followed submissive.
But when her foot crossed the threshold she drew it back, and pressed
her hand to her bosom, struck through with the cold immortal.

A wild blast fell roaring on the roof, and died away in a moan. She
stood ghastly with terror.

"It is he!" said her voiceless lips: I read their motion.

"Who, princess!" I whispered.

"The great Shadow," she murmured.

"Here he cannot enter," said Adam. "Here he can hurt no one. Over h