The Crimson Candle


  A MAN lying at the point of death called his wife to his bedside 
and said:

  "I am about to leave you forever; give me, therefore, one last 
proof of your affection and fidelity, for, according to our holy 
religion, a married man seeking admittance at the gate of Heaven is 
required to swear that he has never defiled himself with an 
unworthy woman.  In my desk you will find a crimson candle, which 
has been blessed by the High Priest and has a peculiar mystical 
significance.  Swear to me that while it is in existence you will 
not remarry."

  The Woman swore and the Man died.  At the funeral the Woman stood 
at the head of the bier, holding a lighted crimson candle till it 
was wasted entirely away.