Page:Ayesha, the return of She (IA cu31924013476175).pdf/320

308 Break the seal and read, she answered carelessly. Perchance she has repented of her folly and makes submission.

So he read—

To the Hesea of the College on the Mountain, known as Ayesha upon earth, and in the househojd of the Over-world whence she has been permitted to wander, as Star-that-hath-fallen—

A pretty sounding name, forsooth, broke in Ayesha; ah! but, Atene, set stars rise again—even from the Under-world. Read on, thou Oros.

Greetings, O Ayesha. Thou who art very old, hast gathered much wisdom in the passing of the centuries, and with other powers, that of making thyself seem fair in the eyes of men blinded by thine arts. Yet one thing thou lackest that I have—vision of those happenings which are not yet. Know, O Ayesha, that I and my uncle, the great seer, have searched the heavenly books to learn what is written there of the issue of this war.

This is written:—For me, death, whereat I rejoice. For thee a spear cast by thine own hand. For the land of Kaloon blood and ruin bred of thee!

,

Khania of Kaloon.

Ayesha listened in silence, but her lips did not tremble, nor her cheek pale. To Oros she said proudly—

Say to the messenger of Atene that I have received her message, and ere long will answer it, face to face with her in her palace of Kaloon. Go, priest, and disturb me no more.

When Oros had departed she turned to us and said—

That tale of mine of long ago was well fitted to this hour, for as Amenartas prophesied of ill, so does Atene