His eye, accustomed to the darkness, met first a blinding glare, and then he made out the faces and forms of many people, amid an extravagant display of splendid robings—­billowy laces, brilliant-hued finery, ribbons, silks and misty drapery.  And then he caught the meaning of that jarring hum, and he saw the tired, pale, happy face of his wife, bending, as were a score of others, over her sewing machine—­toiling, toiling.  Here was the folly she pursued, and the end of his quest.

But not his deliverance, though even then remorse struck him.  His shamed soul fluttered once more before it retired to make room for the other and better one.  For, to temper his thrill of joy, the shine of the satin and the glimmer of ornaments recalled the disturbing figure of the bespangled Amazon, and the base duplicate histories lit by the glare of footlights and stolen diamonds.  It is past the wisdom of him who only sets the scenes, either to praise or blame the man.  But this time his love overcame his scruples.  He took a quick step, and reached out his hand for the doorknob.  Father Rogan was quicker to arrest it and draw him back.

“You use my trust in you queerly,” said the priest sternly.  “What are you about to do?”

“I am going to my wife,” said Lorison.  “Let me pass.”

“Listen,” said the priest, holding him firmly by the arm.  “I am about to put you in possession of a piece of knowledge of which, thus far, you have scarcely proved deserving.  I do not think you ever will; but I will not dwell upon that.  You see in that room the woman you married, working for a frugal living for herself, and a generous comfort for an idolized brother.  This building belongs to the chief costumer of the city.  For months the advance orders for the coming Mardi Gras festivals have kept the work going day and night.  I myself secured employment here for Norah.  She toils here each night from nine o’clock until daylight, and, besides, carries home with her some of the finer costumes, requiring more delicate needlework, and works there part of the day.  Somehow, you two have remained strangely ignorant of each other’s lives.  Are you convinced now that your wife is not walking the streets?”

“Let me go to her,” cried Lorison, again struggling, “and beg her forgiveness!’

“Sir,” said the priest, “do you owe me nothing?  Be quiet.  It seems so often that Heaven lets fall its choicest gifts into hands that must be taught to hold them.  Listen again.  You forgot that repentant sin must not compromise, but look up, for redemption, to the purest and best.  You went to her with the fine-spun sophistry that peace could be found in a mutual guilt; and she, fearful of losing what her heart so craved, thought it worth the price to buy it with a desperate, pure, beautiful lie.  I have known her since the day she was born; she is as innocent and unsullied in life and deed as a holy saint.  In that lowly street where she dwells she first saw the light, and she has lived there ever since, spending her days in generous self-sacrifice for others.  Och, ye spalpeen!” continued Father Rogan, raising his finger in kindly anger at Lorison.  “What for, I wonder, could she be after making a fool of hersilf, and shamin’ her swate soul with lies, for the like of you!”