Diary of a Drug Fiend

346 The Diary of a Drug Fiend He repeated the words :— “IT do solemnly declare that I accept the Law of Thelema, that I will devote myself to discover my True Will, and to do it.” “Yes, yes, of course,” I said hurriedly. “I’m not trying to get out of it; but really, I am at the moment most frightfully preoccupied with this idea about the helicopter.” “ Thank you, that will do,”’ said King Lamus briskly. “ The meeting will now adjourn.” I felt a little irritation at his offhand manner, but I followed him in to lunch. He stood at the end of the table, facing Sister Athena at the other. “There will be champagne,’ he said, “‘for lunch to-day.” The remark was received with a hilarity which seemed positively indecent, and altogether out of pro- portion to the good news announced. The whole Abbey seemed to have gone wild with delight. Following the example of the Big Lion, every one pointed a forefinger downwards to the left, swung it sharply across to the right. This gesture was repeated three times and accompanied by the words :— “ Evoe Ho! Evoe Ho! Evoe Ho!” They began to clap hands but checked the movement before contact and only allowed the clash to take place on the third syllable of the great cry IAO This was followed by very rapid clapping three times three, in silence. I was entirely bewildered by this demonstration, but had no opportunity to make inquiries, for Sister Cypris immediately said “ Will” with Hermes, and lunch began in the invariable silence, a silence somewhat modified by the exuberant hilarity of the entire assembly. The champagne would not account for it all. The unrestrained glee reminded me of my early days with