Page:Ayesha, the return of She (IA cu31924013476175).pdf/119

Rh  ! Nay, Atene, I will not; already your sin lies heavy on my head. You are very fair; take the man in your own net, if you may, or let him be, which is better far.

I cannot let him be. Would that I were able. I must love him as I must hate the other whom he loves, yet some power hardens his heart against me. Oh! great Shaman, you that peep and mutter, you who can read the future and the past, tell me what you have learned from your stars and divinations.

Already I have sought through many a secret, toilsome hour and learned this, Atene, he answered. You are right, the fate of yonder man is intertwined with yours, but between you and him there rises a mighty wall that my vision cannot pierce nor my familiars climb. Yet I am taught that in death you and he—aye, and I also, shall be very near together.

Then come death, she exclaimed with sullen pride, for thence at least I'll pluck out my desire.

Be not so sure, he answered, for I think that the Power follows us even down this dark gulf of death. I think also that I feel the sleepless eyes of Hes watching our secret souls.

Then blind them with the dust of illusions—as you can. To-morrow, also, saying nothing of their sex, send a messenger to the Mountain and tell the Hesea that two old strangers have arrived—mark you, old—but that they are very sick, that their limbs were broken in the river, and that when they have healed again, I will send them to ask the question of her Oracle—that is, some three moons hence. Perchance she may believe you, and be content to wait; or if she does not, at least no more words. I must sleep or my brain will burst. Give me that medicincemedicine [sic] which brings dreamless rest, for never did I need it more, who also feel eyes upon me, and she glanced towards the door.

Then I left, and not too soon, for as I crept down the darksome passage, I heard it open behind me.