We waited until the end of the address, which was
greeted with decorous applause, and the hall was emptied in a moment.
We visited other chapels where the same sort of thing was going on in
other subjects. It all produced in me a sort of stupefaction, both at
the amazing knowledge involved, and in the essential futility of it all.
Before we left the building we went up to the statue, which represented
a female figure, looking upwards, with a pure and delicate beauty of
form and gesture that was inexpressibly and coldly lovely.
We went out in silence, which seemed to be the rule of the place.
When we came away from the building we were accosted by a very grave and
courteous person, who said that he perceived that we were strangers, and
asked if he could be of any service to us, and whether we proposed to
make a stay of any duration. Amroth thanked him, and said smilingly that
we were only passing through. The gentleman said that it was a pity,
because there was much of interest to hear. "In this place," he said
with a deprecating gesture, "we grudge every hour that is not devoted to
thought.
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