Chapter 21 Chapter Nineteen

In Paris, it is said, the Saint-Sulpice church has the most bizarre history.It was erected on the ruins of an ancient temple originally dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isses.The architectural style of Saint-Sulpice Church is very similar to that of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.The church hosted the christenings of Mar de Sartre and Baudelaire and the wedding of Hugo.Its affiliated seminary has witnessed a history of paganism and has been used as an underground meeting place for many secret societies. Tonight, the cavernous nave of Saint-Sulpice was as silent as a tomb.In the evening, the smell left by people burning incense is the only lifeline here.When Sister Sandrine ushered Silas into church, Silas sensed unease in her behavior.He is not surprised.People were uncomfortable seeing him, and Silas was used to it.

"You're American," she said. "I was born in France," Silas replied, "taught in Spain, and now I'm studying in America." Sister Sandrine was small in stature and serene in her eyes. "Is this your first visit to this church?" "Haven't been here before, I guess it's a sin." "She looks even more beautiful during the day." "I do. Anyway, thank you for letting me in so late." "The dean gave orders. You must have some powerful friends." You know nothing, Silas thought. As Sister Sandrine guided Silas down the aisle, he was struck by the simplicity of the nave.There are no colorful murals like those in Notre Dame de Paris, no dazzling altars, and no firewood for heating.Saint-Sulpice feels desolate and cold, reminiscent of the cathedrals of ascetics in Spain.The hall looks even more empty due to the lack of decoration.Silas looked up at the vault and felt as if he were under the hulls of many upturned ships.

This looks just right for me, Silas thought.The Brotherhood is going to capsize, and they're all going to sink forever.Silas was impatient to begin his mission, hoping to distract Sister Sandrine.Although Silas could have easily dismembered the small, emaciated woman, he had sworn not to use violence when absolutely necessary.Nor did she know that it was not her fault that the Brotherhood had hidden the keystone in her church.She should not be punished for the sins of others. "I'm sorry I woke you up." "It doesn't matter. You just came to Paris, and you shouldn't miss the opportunity to be here. Are you interested in the architecture of the church, or in the history of the church?"

"Mommy, I'm actually just here for my faith." Mammy laughed happily. "Needless to say? But, where do I start to show you around?" Silas stared at the altar. "No need to visit. You don't have to be so polite. I can look around by myself." "It doesn't matter, I'm awake anyway," Mammy said. By this time they were in the front pews of the church, within fifteen yards of the chancel.Silas stopped and turned the bulky form to face Mammy.He could feel Mammy looking fearfully into his red eyes. "Auntie, please excuse my rudeness. I'm not used to walking into a holy place like a church and just wandering around. I'd like to say my prayers by myself before my visit, don't you mind? Go back to sleep, please! I can enjoy it by myself your sanctuary, and leave yourself."

Sister Sandrine hesitated, then said, "Oh, of course I don't mind. I'll wait for you in the back seat." Silas put his big soft, heavy hand on Mammy, looked down at her, and said, "I am sorry to have woken you, Mammy, but I am even more sorry to keep you from going to sleep. Please Go back to sleep! I can admire your sanctuary alone, and then leave by myself." Mammy looked disturbed. "Are you sure you won't feel lonely like being abandoned?" "No. Prayer is a solitary pleasure." "Then it's up to you." Silas took his hands off her shoulders. "Sleep well, Mammy. God keep you safe."

"Bless you too." Sister Sandrine walked towards the stairs. "Be sure to close the door when you leave." "I will." Silas watched as Sister Sandrine climbed the stairs and disappeared from his sight.Then he turned around and knelt on the front seat. Dear God, my work tonight is for you... Sister Sandrine crouched in the shadow of the choir platform above the altar, watching quietly through the railing the disguised monk kneeling below alone.The terror that had suddenly overtaken her made her restless.For a moment, she felt that this mysterious visitor might be the enemy the Brotherhood had warned her about, and that tonight she might have to carry out the mission she had been carrying on for years.She decided to hide in the dark and observe his every move.