nomination of Elissa as the Baaltis would be to
build an impassable wall between her and the prince Aziel. Also, by way
of compensation, that office would confer upon her the highest dignity
and honour which could be attained by any woman in the city. Moreover,
her election would place her beyond the reach of the persecutions
of Ithobal, since as lady Baaltis she was entitled to choose her own
husband without hindrance or appeal, provided only that he was of pure
white blood, which Ithobal was not.

Having thought the matter out, and convinced himself that such a
course would not only benefit his own pocket, but prove to the lasting
advantage of all concerned, Metem, filled with a glow of righteous zeal,
set about his task with the promptitude and cunning of his race. It was
not an easy task, for although she had enemies and rivals, the daughter
of the dead Baaltis, Mesa by name, was considered to be certain of
election at the poll of the priests and priestesses. This ceremony was
to take place within two days. Nothing discouraged, however, by the
scant time at his disposal or other difficulties, without her knowledge
or that of her father, Metem began his canvass on behalf of Elissa.

First with a great sum of gold he bought over the ex-Shadid, the husband
of the late lady Baaltis. As it chanced, this worthy had quarrelled with
his daughter. Therefore it followed that he would prefer to see some
stranger chosen in her place in the hope that, notwithstanding his
years, by choosing him in marriage she might confirm him in his position
of spouse to the goddess.

All Metem's further negotiations need not be followed: money played a
part in most of them; jealousy and dislike in some. A few there were
also whom he won over by urging the beauty and wisdom of Elissa, and her
extraordinary fitness for the post, as evinced by her recent inspiration
in the temple! He found his most powerful allies, however, among the
members of the council of the city. To these grandees he pointed out
that Elissa was a woman of great strength of character, who would
certainly never consent to be forced into a marriage with Ithobal,
although her refusal should mean a desperate war, and that her father
was so much under her influence that he could not be brought to put
pressure upon her. Therefore it was obvious that the only way out of the
difficulty was her election as Baaltis. This must prove a perfect
answer to the suit of the savage king, s