Page:Ayesha, the return of She (IA cu31924013476175).pdf/241

Rh  Accept ye her whom I have set to rule over you, that my judgments and my purposes may be fulfilled.

The Voice ceased, the fiery torches burnt again, and we bowed the knee to the new Hesea, and named her Mother in the ears of all. That is the tale to which hundreds can bear witness.

Thou hearest, Atene, said the Hesea. Dost thou still doubt?

Aye, answered the Khania, for I hold that Oros also lies, or if he lies not, then he dreams, or perchance that voice he heard was thine own. Now if thou art this undying woman, this Ayesha, let proof be made of it to these two men who knew thee in the past. Tear away those wrappings that guard thy loveliness thus jealously. Let thy shape divine, thy beauty incomparable, shine out upon our dazzled sight. Surely thy lover will not forget such charms; surely he will know thee, and bow the knee, saying, This is my Immortal, and no other woman.

Then, and not till then, will I believe that thou art even what thou declarest thyself to be, an evil spirit, who bought undying life with murder and used thy demon loveliness to bewitch the souls of men.

Now the Hesea on the throne seemed to be much troubled, for she rocked herself to and fro, and wrung her white-draped hands.

Kallikrates, she said in a voice that sounded like a moan, is this thy will? For if it be, know that I must obey. Yet I pray thee command it not, for the time is not yet come; the promise unbreakable is not yet fulfilled. I am somewhat changed, Kallikrates, since I kissed thee on the brow and named thee mine, yonder in the Caves of Kôr.

Leo looked about him desperately, till his eyes fell upon the mocking face of Atene, who cried—

Bid her unveil, my lord. I swear to thee I'll not be jealous.

At that taunt he took fire.