He turned, startled by the sound, and saw her sway toward him. He
realized that the crowd, the heat, the excitement, the odor of incense
with which the air was heavy, had overcome her, and that she was
fainting. He rose instantly, and, lifting her, assisted her into the
aisle. She was half in his arms as he led her down the nave, and her
hair, the hair which had seemed to him like that of Berenice, brushed
now and again against his shoulder. He recalled the wreck, when
Berenice had been in his arms, and his religious mood vanished as if it
had never been. His cheek flushed; he thrilled with anger at himself.
He had been playing a part here in the church. He had never for an
instant wished to be set free from his bondage to Berenice,--Berenice
who had to-night mocked him and his profession in the eyes of all the
world.
The way to the door seemed interminable. He was eager to get rid of
this stranger and escape. Fortunately the party to which the fainting
girl belonged were at hand to take charge of her; and presently
Maurice had made his way out of the church. He hardly gave a thought to
Mrs. Wilson.
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