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 fidelity1, for, according to our holy

　　religion, a married man seeking admittance at the gate of Heaven is

　　required to swear that he has never defiled2 himself with an

　　unworthy woman. In my desk you will find a crimson3 candle, which

　　has been blessed by the High Priest and has a peculiar4 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 entirely5 away.