Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/263

RV 258 (AN LU-SHAN) moon, though his features were not visible. He loomed up magnificently, the greatest soldier of all the Empire. Then her heart stopped beating. The tears fell from her eyes like rain. She was on the verge of hysteria as she beheld the figure of Kao Li-shih. She was safe; in spite of herself she was still the first lady in the affections of the Emperor.

"I'm sorry," said Kao, seemingly taken back. "I saw your white face in the shadows. I was afraid that someone might be lurking in the garden to harm his Majesty."

"I came out," she faltered, "I came out because it was so hot."

"But the night is cool."

She was cornered, surprised, dismayed. "Perhaps I was dreaming."

"Or it may be a touch of fever," said Kao. "Shall I instruct the old Amah to prepare a cold bath for you?" "I'm all right," she said hastily, "I'm going in now." "Yes," she reflected, "it is fever, a dangerous fever, a fever of the human spirit, that will never leave me while An Lu-shan remains in Changan. He must return to the Kitan border. Nothing shall threaten my position." It was a noble resolve, but she knew it was without conviction. An Lu-shan loitered in Changan as the weeks lengthened into months. Ming Huang liked him and showered him with honors.

Through the connivance of Li Lin-fu he was made governor of three border cities—P'ing Lu, Fan Yang and Ho Tung. The appointment was nominal only, for RV 258 (258)