n in the same mocking voice. "Well, I
hold that this doctrine is built upon a rock of truth; also," she added
after studying me for a minute, "that in your case these three women
do not complete that circle. I think there is a fourth who as yet is
strange to you in this life, though you have known her well enough in
others."

I groaned, imagining that she alluded to herself, which was foolish of
me, for at once she read my mind and went on with a rather acid little
laugh,

"No, no, not the humble slave who sits before you, whom, as you have
told me, it would please you to reject as unworthy were she brought to
you in offering, as in the old days was done at the courts of the great
kings of the East. O fool, fool! who hold yourself so strong and do not
know that if I chose, before yon shadow had moved a finger's breadth, I
could bring you to my feet, praying that you might be suffered to kiss
my robe, yes, just the border of my robe."

"Then I beg of you not to choose, Ayesha, since I think that when there
is work to be done by both of us, we shall find more comfort side
by side than if I were on the ground seeking to kiss a garment that
doubtless then it would delight you to snatch away."

At these words her whole attitude seemed to change. I could see her
lovely shape brace itself up, as it were, beneath her robes and felt
in some way that her mind had also changed; that it had rid itself of
mockery and woman's pique and like a shifting searchlight, was directed
upon some new objective.

"Work to be done," she repeated after me in a new voice. "Yes, I thank
you who bring it to my mind, since the hours pass and that work presses.
Also I think there is a bargain to be made between us who are both of
the blood that keeps bargains, even if they be not written on a roll
and signed and sealed. Why do you come to me and what do you seek of
me, Allan, Watcher-in-the-Night? Say it and truthfully, for though I
may laugh at lies and pass them by when they have to do with the eternal
sword-play which Nature decrees between man and woman, until these break
apart or, casting down the swords, seek arms in which they agree too
well, when they have to do with policy and high purpose and ambition's
ends, why then I avenge them upon the liar."

Now I hesitated, as what I had to tell her seemed so foolish, indeed so
insane, while she waited patiently as though to give me time to shape my
thoughts. Speaking at last because I must, I