Page:Ayesha, the return of She (IA cu31924013476175).pdf/311

Rh Quite so! I understand now, answered Leo.

Well, that was the end of it. The lump of metal was hid away in a kind of rock pit, with an iron cover, and we returned to Ayesha's apartments.

So all wealth is thine, as well as all power, said Leo, presently, for remembering Ayesha's awful threat I scarcely dared to open my mouth.

It seems so, she answered wearily, since centuries ago I discovered that great secret, though until ye came I had put it to no use. Holly here, after his common fashion, believes that this is magic, but I tell thee again that there is no magic, only knowledge which I have chanced to win.

Of course, said Leo, looked at in the right way, that is in thy way, the thing is simple. I think he would have liked to add, as lying, but as the phrase would have involved explanations, did not. Yet, Ayesha, he went on, hast thou thought that this discovery of thine will wreck the world?

Leo, she answered, is there then nothing that I can do which will not wreck this world, for which thou hast such tender care, who shouldst keep all thy care—for me?

I smiled, but remembering in time, turned the smile into a frown at Leo, then fearing lest that also might anger her, made my countenance as blank as possible.

If so, she continued, well, let the world be wrecked. But what meanest thou? Oh! my lord, Leo, forgive me if I am so dull that I cannot always follow thy quick thought—I who have lived these many years alone, without converse with nobler minds, or even those to which mine own is equal.

It pleases thee to mock me, said Leo, in a vexed voice, and that is not too brave.

Now Ayesha turned on him fiercely, and I looked towards the door. But he did not shrink, only folded his