er. It was evident that a
shock, or a succession of shocks, had unsettled the poor woman's brain.
On the name of Judith being mentioned, she pointed fearfully to the
upper story. Uncertain as to her meaning, Jean cautiously ascended the
ladder, and ascertained that the sorceress was in truth there. After a
consultation it was decided that Haco and Hilda should seek her
presence.

As father and daughter entered the apartment, they saw the old woman
half-seated, half-lying, on a couch placed close to the window; her
face, which was turned seaward, was haggard, the leanness bringing into
strong relief the handsome chiselling of her profile; the sternness of
her mouth was somewhat relaxed; there was an indication almost of
softness in its corners. Her high spirit had accepted, not resented,
defeat.

As her eye fell on her two visitors there was no gleam of defiance, no
mark of anger, or even surprise; but, when Haco stood fully revealed
before her, a flash of triumph and pleasure shot into it, kindling every
feature with its glow. "You here, Haco!" she cried, "and with her! The
Gods have relented. You will hold her fast in their worship, and lead
her steps to the land of her sires! I die contented." She fell back
exhausted. "Sister," said the giant, laying his hand softly on her
shoulder, "it is too late; when Algar slew my loved one the Pagan died
in me; I am a servant of the God of the Christians." Hilda awaited
fearfully the result of this announcement, but she knew not the
greatness of the old woman's soul. It was long ere her voice was heard
again. Presently, raising herself, she said, "I would it had been
otherwise; but I have erred, I have misjudged. I thought that your Gods
were false; puny creations of a nerveless brain; but they are strong, I
own their power! It may be that the great ones of old have wearied of
our spiritless race, and abandoned us. So perchance you may be wise to
turn to the new-comers!" Her voice failed her, but as they knelt by her
side her hands wandered over their heads and lingered with a caressing
movement among Hilda's locks. She seemed to have forgotten Jean, whom
she doubtless believed to have been lost in the general calamity.
Suddenly she started up and pointed to a storm-cloud rising rapidly from
the western horizon, assuming a succession of fantastic shapes as it
passed upwards. "Do you not see them?" she cried--"the great, the
glorious ones! they bend from their seats; they smile!