m well paid to keep counsel, Prince," Metem answered with a
smile. Then he read the scroll.

"I am glad that the noble lady brings an attendant with her," he said as
he returned it, with a bow. "The gossips of Zimboe are censorious, and
might misinterpret this moonlight meeting, as indeed would Sakon and
Issachar. Well, doves will coo and maids will woo, and unless I can make
money out of it the affair is none of mine."

"Have I not told you that there is no question of wooing?" asked the
prince angrily. "I go only to give her what counsel I can in the
matter of the suit of this savage, Ithobal. The lady Elissa and I have
quarrelled beyond repair over that accursed sacrifice----"

"Which her ready wit prevented," put in Metem.

"But I promised last night that I would help her if I could," the prince
went on, "and I always keep my word."

"I understand, Prince. Well, since you turn from the lady, whose name
with yours is so much in men's mouths just now, doubtless you will give
her wise counsel, namely, to wed Ithobal, and lift the shadow of war
from this city. Then, indeed, we shall all be grateful to you, for it
seems that no one else can move her stubbornness. And, by the way:
If, when she has listened to your wisdom, the daughter of Sakon
should chance to explain to you that the sight of this day's attempted
sacrifice filled her with horror, and that she parted with every jewel
she owns to put an end to it--well, her words will be true. But, since
you have quarrelled, they will have no more interest for you, Prince,
than has my talk about them. So now to other matters." And Metem
began to speak of the conduct of Issachar in the sanctuary, and of the
necessity of guarding him against assassination at the hands of the
priests of El as a consequence of his religious zeal. Presently he was
gone, leaving Aziel somewhat bewildered.

Could it be true, as she herself had told him, and as Metem now
asserted, that Elissa had not participated willingly in the dark rites
in the temple? If so he had misjudged her and been unjust; indeed, what
atonement could suffice for such words as he had used towards her? Well,
to some extent she must have understood and forgiven them, otherwise she
would scarcely have sought his aid, though he knew not how he could help
her in her distress.

*****

When Elissa returned from the assembly, she laid herself down to rest,
worn out in mind and body. Soon sleep came to her, and with the sl