Page:Ayesha, the return of She (IA cu31924013476175).pdf/255

Rh Nay, she went on, it is not this long-lost shape of mine, which in his kiss my lord gave back to me, that shivers in the icy wind, it is my spirit's self bared to the bitter breath of Destiny. O my love, my love, offended Powers are not easily appeased, even when they appear to pardon, and though I shall no more be made a mockery in thy sight, how long is given us together upon the world I know not; but a little hour perchance. Well, ere we pass otherwhere, we will make it glorious, drinking as deeply of the cup of joy as we have drunk of those of sorrows and of shame. This place is hateful to me, for here I have suffered more than ever woman did on earth or phantom in the deepest hell. It is hateful, it is ill-omened. I pray that never again may I behold it.

Say, what is it passes in thy mind, magician? and of a sudden she turned fiercely upon the Shaman Simbri who stood near, his arms crossed upon his breast.

Only, thou Beautiful, he answered, a dim shadow of things to come. I have what thou dost lack with all thy wisdom, the gift of foresight, and here I see a dead man lying—

Another word, she broke in with fury born of some dark fear, and thou shalt be that man. Fool, put me not in mind that now I have strength again to rid me of the ancient foes I hate, lest I should use a sword thou thrustest to my hand, and her eyes that had been so calm and happy, blazed upon him like fire.

The old wizard felt their fearsome might and shrank from it till the wall stayed him.

Great One! now as ever I salute thee. Yes, now as at the first beginning whereof we know alone, he stammered. I had no more to say; the face of that dead man was not revealed to me. I saw only that some crowned Khan of Kaloon to be shall lie here, as he whom the flame has taken lay an hour ago.

Doubtless many a Khan of Kaloon will lie here, she answered coldly. Fear not. Shaman, my wrath is past,