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Walpole, Hugh, Sir, 1884-1941

"The Captives"

There was also what seemed to Maggie a small choir, some
women dressed in white and some men in black coats and white bow
ties. Across the stage were suspended broad white bands of cloth
with "Come to Jesus!" "Come now!" "He is waiting for you!" in big
black letters.
The hall seemed very full, and was violently illuminated with
electric light. Maggie took this in as she stood very timidly just
inside the door. A steward came forward and showed her a corner-
seat. She saw, then, with a dramatic flash of recognition, Thurston
and Mr. Crashaw sitting behind the table; then, with a still
stranger emotion, Miss Avies as one of the white-robed choir. The
sight of those three familiar faces seemed to close, finally and
definitely, the impression that she had had during all those last
weeks. They had "got" her again, and yet not they, but the power
behind them. It seemed only five minutes ago that she had sat in the
London Chapel and heard old Crashaw scream "Punishment! Punishment!
Punishment!" She turned half in her seat as though she expected to
see Aunt Anne and Aunt Elizabeth sitting one on either side of her.


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