But Claudius stood rooted to the spot. He had feared his presence might disturb the last hours of one he loved too well, to make his own wishes of any moment. He bowed and shook his head, but remained standing, watching the work of the chisel, while every letter seemed engraved in his heart. Presently another messenger came--Hermione. “She asks for you,” she said--“come!” Then Claudius drew himself up to his full height, as if he were about to face some advancing host, and with head erect, and hands clasped tightly together, he followed Hermione, without uttering a word. As they passed along the corridor of the upper storey, they met Cœlia Concordia. Hermione made the customary token of respect to the superior Vestals from those who were beneath them, and said:-- “We go to see the Vestal Maxima, who is departing.” “The Vestal Maxima has departed already,” was the cold and haughty answer. “I have just returned from the Council, where I have been chosen as her successor in the office she quitted three days ago.” Hermione’s dark southern eyes flashed through the mists of tears. “The beloved lady Hyacintha, beloved of all the priestesses, is dying,” she said, “and leaves no equal behind; her name will live. It is even now inscribed upon the pedestal of her statue, beneath the words which, by the common consent of the whole Council, were written on a scroll for the sculptor, and despatched to him yester-even.” Cœlia passed on, saying in a low voice, words of which Hermione failed to catch the meaning, but which were--“_her name shall perish_.” Hyacintha lay upon the cushions of her couch, with closed eyes; over her features peace brooded. The conflict and the struggle were over, and she was only awaiting the summons. Suddenly, with one of the flashes of consciousness, which are like the leaping up of the flame before it dies out she opened her eyes and said:-- “I see the golden stairs which lead upward to the stars: Claudius, good Claudius--Claudius!” The brave soldier drew a step nearer, and in low husky tones, said:-- “I am here, Hyacintha, I am here!” A bright smile passed over her face as she said:-- “I have found the true Light, Claudius, the Dayspring from on high. I am going where the Light shall never be put out, and you will come, good Claudius--promise, vow!” “I will come, God helping me,” he said--“beloved, I will come.” Then the brightness faded from her face; she became confused, and said in distress, that she had slept, and that the sacred fire was extinguished. Then, with a cry, “The Light! The Light can never be put out.” She extended her arms as if to greet one who was coming towards her, and said:-- “I see Him--He is the true Light, Jesus the Lord!” And so her spirit departed, and Hyacintha Severa entered into the full shining of the true Light which lighteth every man who cometh into this sad and weary world. * * * * *