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 CHAPTER XVIII

THE THIRD ORDEAL

hour, two hours passed, while we strove to rest in our sleeping place, but could not, for some influence disturbed us.

Why does not Ayesha come? asked Leo at length, pausing in his walk up and down the room. I want to see her again; I cannot bear to be apart from her. I feel as though she were drawing me to her.

How can I tell you? Ask Oros; he is outside the door.

So he went and asked him, but Oros only smiled, and answered that the Hesea had not entered her chamber, so doubtless she must still remain in the Sanctuary.

Then I am going to look for her. Come, Oros, and you too, Horace.

Oros bowed, but declined, saying that he was bidden to bide at our door, adding that we, to whom all the paths were open, could return to the Sanctuary if we thought well.

I do think well, replied Leo sharply. Will you come, Horace, or shall I go without you?

I hesitated. The Sanctuary was a public place, it is true, but Ayesha had said that she desired to be alone there for awhile. Without more words, however, Leo shrugged his shoulders and started.

You will never find your way, I said, and followed him.

We went down the long passages that were dimly lighted with lamps and came to the gallery. Here we