Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/320

 did not feel the least apprehension, and was as unconcerned as possible. Adela, possessed as she was of a masculine spirit, could not help being agitated at the moment of the unravelling of a scene which had so long pre-occupied her mind. We did all we could to invigorate her wavering courage, but our efforts were of little use; her face would change color twice or thrice in a minute, and she was scarce able to support herself upright on horseback.

Don Bernardos, by a much easier way than that my old guide used to take, led us through the corridor into the assembly of my mystic brethren. The venerable chief embraced me and Don Bernardos, and consenting with the rest of the society to Adela's reception, she took the oath in the usual manner.

A fete was then given which lasted all night, and represented the celebration of the Eleusymian Mysteries. A long procession of priests and priestesses began to file off, and the latter were drest in white transparent robes, their hair hung down in natural curls, and