A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

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I turned away in despair.
At length one jom the Chief Pauper came to me with a smile and said,
"Atam-or, let me congratulate you on this joyous occasion."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You are to have your ceremony of separation."
"Separation!" I repeated.
"Yes," said he. "Almah has given notice to us. She has announced her
intention of giving you up, and separating from you. With us the
woman always gives the announcement in such cases. We have fixed the
ceremony for the third jom from this, and I hope you will not think
it too soon."
This strange intelligence moved me greatly. I did not like the idea of
a ceremony of separation; but behind this there rose the prospect of
seeing Almah, and I felt convinced that she had devised this as a mode
of holding communication with me, or at least of seeing me again.
The thought of Layelah was the only thing that interfered with this
belief, for it might be her doings after all; yet the fact remained
that I was to see Almah, and in this I rejoiced with exceeding great
joy.
The appointed jom came. A procession was formed of the paupers. The
chief did not go, as he never left the cavern except on the great
sacrifices and Mista Koseks. The door was opened, and I accompanied
the procession. On our way all was dark, and after traversing many
passages we came at length to the door of a cavern as gloomy as the
one I had left. On entering this I found all dark and drear; and a
little distance before me there was a light burning, around which was
gathered a group of hags hideous beyond all expression. But these I
scarcely noticed; for there amid them, all pale and wan, with her face
now lighted up with joyous and eager expectation, I saw my darling--my
Almah! I caught her in my arms, and for a few moments neither of us
spoke a word. She sobbed upon my breast, but I knew that the tears
which she shed were tears of joy. Nor was our joy checked by the