rs of the great stone tomb with the covering of glass,
which was being dragged upward. As it arose it filled closely the whole
aperture. When its bottom had reached the level of the floor it stopped,
and remained rigid. There was no room for oscillation. It was at once
surrounded by a number of black figures, who raised the glass covering
and bore it away into the darkness. Then there stepped forward a very
tall man, black-bearded, and with head-gear like my guide, but made in
triple tiers, he also was gorgeously arrayed in flowing robes of cloth of
gold richly embroidered. He raised his hand, and forthwith eight other
black-clad figures stepped forward, and bending over the stone coffin,
raised from it the rigid form of my Lady, still clad in her Shroud, and
laid it gently on the floor of the sanctuary.

I felt it a grace that at that instant the dim lights seemed to grow
less, and finally to disappear--all save the tiny points that marked the
outline of the great Cross high overhead. These only gave light enough
to accentuate the gloom. The hand that held mine now released it, and
with a sigh I realized that I was alone. After a few moments more of the
groaning of the winch and clanking of the chain there was a sharp sound
of stone meeting stone; then there was silence. I listened acutely, but
could not hear near me the slightest sound. Even the cautious,
restrained breathing around me, of which up to then I had been conscious,
had ceased. Not knowing, in the helplessness of my ignorance, what I
should do, I remained as I was, still and silent, for a time that seemed
endless. At last, overcome by some emotion which I could not at the
moment understand, I slowly sank to my knees and bowed my head. Covering
my face with my hands, I tried to recall the prayers of my youth. It was
not, I am certain, that fear in any form had come upon me, or that I
hesitated or faltered in my intention. That much I know now; I knew it
even then. It was, I believe, that the prolonged impressive gloom and
mystery had at last touched me to the quick. The bending of the knees
was but symbolical of the bowing of the spirit to a higher Power. When I
had realized that much, I felt more content than I had done since I had
entered the church, and with the renewed consciousness of courage, took
my hands from my face, and lifted again my bowed head.

Impulsively I sprang to my feet and stood erect--waiting. All seemed to
have cha