of nothing, nor heard nor saw anything but the strain of that last effort which seemed to shake the very mountains; until suddenly there seemed to rise all around the hum and murmur as of a great multitude, and looking up, she saw every little hill and hollow, and the glorious plain beyond as far as eye could see, crowded with countless throngs; and on the high peaks above, in the full shining of the sun, came bands of angels, and of those great beings who are more mighty than men.  And the eyes of all were fixed upon the man who lay as one dead upon the ground, and from the lips of all came a low murmur of rapture and delight, that spread like the hum of the bees, like the cooing of the doves, like the voice of a mother over her child; and the same sound came to her own lips unawares, and she murmured ‘welcome’ and ‘brother’ and ‘friend,’ not knowing what she said; and looking to the others, whispered, ’Hush! for he is weak’—­and all of them answered with tears, with ‘hush’ and ‘welcome’ and ‘friend’ and ‘brother’ and ‘beloved,’ and stood smiling and weeping for joy.  And presently there came softly into the blessed air the ringing of the great silver bells, which sound only for victory and great happiness and gain.  And there was joy in heaven; and every world was stirred.  And throughout the firmament, and among all the lords and princes of life, it was known that the impossible had become true, and the name of the Lord had proved enough, and love had conquered even despair.

‘Hush!’ she said, ‘for he is weak.’  And because it was her blessed service to receive those who had newly arrived in that heavenly country, and to soothe and help them so that like newborn children they should be able to endure and understand the joy, she knelt by him on the ground and tried to rouse him, though with trembling, for never before had she stood by one who was newly come out of the land of despair.  ’Let the sun come upon him,’ she said; ’let him feel the brightness of the light,’—­and with her soft hands she drew him out of the shade of the twilight to where the brightness of the day fell like a smile upon the flowers.  And then at last he stirred, and turned round and opened his eyes, for the genial warmth had reached him.  But his eyes were heavy and dazzled with the light; and he looked round him as if confused from beneath his heavy eyelids.  ‘And where am I?’ he said; ‘and who are you?’ ‘Oh, brother!’ said the little Pilgrim, and told him in his ear the name of that heavenly place, and many comforting and joyful things.  But he understood her not, and still gazed about him with dazzled eyes, for his face was still towards the darkness, and fear was upon him lest this place should prove no more than a delusion, and the darkness return, and the anguish and pain.

Then he who had been her guide, and told her his tale, came forward and stood by the side of the newly come.  And ‘Brother,’ he said, ’look upon me, for you know me, and know from whence I come.’