the Madeleine the sun had set behind a blood-red cloud, which cast a

reflection as of a great fire and set the lofty windows flaming.

Twilight was falling, and the hour was oppressively melancholy, for

now the avenues were darkening away into the distance but were not

as yet dotted over by the bright sparks of the gas lamps. And among

the marching crowds distant voices swelled and grew ever louder, and

eyes gleamed from pale faces, while a great spreading wind of

anguish and stupor set every head whirling.