Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/312

RV 307 (VICTORY) "Enough of dreams!" cried An Lu-shan. "Face reality! Dreams do not exist."

"They are a vital part of life. Dreams are real, like sleep or quiet, or like love, or flower perfume." She paused, then she added, "Dreams are the fragrance of the night's cool slumber, a fragrance that remains long after we awaken. But it is not necessary to sleep in order to dream."

"That is true," he said vehemently, "I, too, have dreamed. I've dreamed that some day you would be my Empress."

She laughed softly. "Are you going to conquer India?"

"Willingly," he cried, "if that is your wish."

Quietly, a eunuch entered, and set a pot of pearl orchid scented tea on a small table between them.

"In tea," said An Lu-shan, "we will drink farewell."

"Are you going away?"

"I must rejoin my men. Matters of importance await my attention. But be not disturbed. I shall return in splendor as soon as circumstances permit and we will be together always."

She was much relieved. "But not in India," she said, smiling.

"No, right here in Changan. This Palace is a perfect setting for the jewel of your beauty."

The tea was delicious, its fragrance unforgettable. They drank in comparative silence, for tea has a more stimulating flavor when it is drunk in a quiet room, in gentle surroundings, preferably near a window that RV 307 (307)