It had been consumed by an unseen fire, just as the crucifix had been,
and nothing but a little white ash now remained!
"Good heavens!" I gasped; and with my finger touched the ashes.
They were still warm!
I stood wondering, my gaze fixed upon the consumed Madonna, reflecting
that upon the occasion of Aline's last visit my crucifix was destroyed
in the same manner by some unseen agency, and now, strangely enough,
this second sacred emblem in my possession had with her presence
disappeared, falling into ashes beneath my very eyes.
The mysterious influence of evil she confessed to possessing was here
illustrated in a manner that was unmistakable.
In an instant all the strange words she had uttered swept through my
bewildered brain as I stood there terrified, aghast.
The mystery surrounding her was as inexplicable as it was startling.