“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 him also is power given me.” “Are the children in the house?” asked Lilith, and at the word the heart of Eve began to love her. “He never dared touch a child,” she said. “Nor have you either ever hurt a child. Your own daughter you have but sent into the loveliest sleep, for she was already a long time dead when you slew her. And now Death shall be the atonemaker; you shall sleep together.” “Wife,” said Adam, “let us first put the children to bed, that she may see them safe!” He came back to fetch them. As soon as he was gone, the princess knelt to Eve, clasped her knees, and said, “Beautiful Eve, persuade your husband to kill me: to you he will listen! Indeed I would but cannot open my hand.” “You cannot die without opening it. To kill you would not serve you,” answered Eve. “But indeed he cannot! no one can kill you but the Shadow; and whom he kills never knows she is dead, but lives to do his will, and thinks she is doing her own.” “Show me then to my grave; I am so weary I can live no longer. I must go to the Shadow--yet I would not!” She did not, could not understand! She struggled to rise, but fell at the feet of Eve. The Mother lifted, and carried her inward. I followed Adam and Mara and the children into the chamber of death. We passed Eve with Lilith in her arms, and went farther in.