that the sign thus traced on his brow must be actually visible
like a red brand burnt into his flesh,--and all his old and
violent prejudices against Christianity rushed back upon him with
the resentful speed of once baffled foes returning anew to storm a
citadel. Almost as rapidly, however, his anger cooled,--he
remembered that in his vision of the previous night, the light
that had guided him through the long, shadowy vista had always
preceded him in the form of a Cross,--and in a softer mood he
glanced at the ruby Star shining steadily above the otherwise
darkened altar. Involuntarily the words "We have seen His Star in
the East and have come to worship Him"--occurred to his memory,
but he dismissed them as instantly as they suggested themselves,
and finding his own thoughts growing perplexing and troublesome he
hastily left the chapel.

Joining some of the monks who were gathered in a picturesque group
round the fire in the refectory he sat chatting with them for
about half an hour or so, hoping to elicit from them in the course
of conversation some particulars concerning the daily life,
character, and professing aims of their superior,--but in this
attempt he failed. They spoke of Heliobas as believing men may
speak of saints, with hushed reverence and admiring tenderness--
but on any point connected with his faith, or the spiritual nature
of his theories, they held their peace, evidently deeming the
subject too sacred for discussion. Baffled in all his inquiries
Alwyn at last said good-night, and retired to rest in the small
sleeping-apartment prepared for his accommodation, where he
enjoyed a sound, refreshing, and dreamless slumber.

The next morning he was up at daybreak, and long before the sun