at parting with those who appeared so good and happy, and who had tried to be so kind to us. Ezariel and Arauniel both accompanied us to the door, and, giving each of us a small ring of crystal as a keepsake, raised a sweet song of blessing; and each according to their use, as it seemed, touched us on the forehead. A solemn thrill passed through me. Then we turned half unwillingly to descend the mountain, Aleriel leading the way. We soon reached a beaten path, and then Aleriel also bade us farewell:
"God bless you both, and may we meet again in a happier world."
So saying, he parted from us, remounting the declivity. A few minutes after I heard a sudden explosion, as it seemed, in the mountain, and felt a rushing gust of wind.
"They are gone," said Maud. "I am glad, now, I have seen them. It was like a glimpse of heaven."
