I felt a great interest in it.

There seemed something of poetic beauty in this mode of welcoming the advent of a welcome season, and it served to mitigate the horrible remembrance of that other celebration, upon which I could not think without a shudder.

I thought that it would be pleasant to join with them here, and resolved to ask Almah to come with me, so that she might explain the meaning of the ceremonies.

Full of this thought, I went to her and told her my wish.

She looked at me with a face full of amazement and misery.