The Equinox (Volume I, Number VI)

THE ORDEAL OF IDA PENDRAGON The girl, as it seemed mechanically, murmured the words “ Rosæ Rubeae.” " Et Aureae Crucis," he rejoined. Then, together, very slowly and distinctly: "Benedictus sit Dominus Deus Noster qui nobis dedit signum.” It seemed hardly possible that her voice joined his. The lips hardly moved; it was as if an interior voice spoke in her heart. Yet the room was suddenly filled with a pale green light—or was it rosy ?—or was it golden P—or was it like the moon? That was the strange thing about it. To every name one put to it an inward voice answered: No, not that; like that, but not quite that. Luminous, spectral, cloudy, shimmering—it was all these, and something more. He placed his hand upon the girl’s forehead. " Are you perfectly awake ? " “I am awake, frater." “ Can you give me the sign of your grade?" “ I must not move. But I am poised for diving, frater." " The word ? " Haltingly came the answer: “ Ar—ar—it—a.” “One is His beginning; one is His individuality; His permutation one. Do not forget it, little sister." " Are you ready ? " “I am ready. Farewell’farewell for ever ! " " Farewell.” He took his Signet-ring, and pressed a spring. The bezel opened and disclosed a small jewelled wheel, divided into many compartments. He pressed a second spring. The wheel began to revolve, and in the silence sang a tiny tune. VI 1 1 29