Joy leaped within me. We approached the gate. The key turned in thelock. The gate swung noiselessly on its hinges a little open. 0utflashed upon me unknown splendors. What I saw in that momentarygleam I shall never whisper in mortal ears. I stood upon thethreshold, just about to enter.

"Stop! one moment," exclaimed St. Peter, laying his hand on myshoulder; "I have one more question to ask you."

I turned toward him.