Page:Lippincotts Monthly Magazine-39.djvu/36

26 : the ceiling appeared to be vaulted, and at the end opposite the door there was a large fireplace, with a sort of hollow gable built over it, giving it somewhat the aspect of a cavern.

On the right of the fireplace, as you faced it, there was a window in a deep embrasure, heavily curtained. On the opposite side of the room was a sort of cabinet of dark wood, fastened against the wall, and glazed in front with two broad sheets of plate glass. The floor at this end was covered with a soft Indian rug, of a dull reddish hue. Beneath the window stood a large table, covered with a number of objects of singular shape, apparently used by the alchemist in his experiments. Other paraphernalia were collected within the pent-house of the fireplace, upon the hearth of which was placed a kind of brazier, wherein flickered a pale-blue flame. A low sofa or divan, furnished with silken cushions, was so arranged as to front partly towards the glazed cabinet and partly towards the fireplace. Upon this divan the alchemist motioned his visitor to take her seat.

"You feel no nervousness?" he said, letting his fingers rest for a moment on her wrist.

"I feel at home," she replied, "for the first time since I left India!"

"I must be Indian, then, for it is my home," observed the other.

"When I first saw you and heard you speak, you brought India to my mind," was her answer. "No one but a Hindoo ever had such black eyes as yours, or so soft a voice. You are as different from your brother as Calcutta is from Lincolnshire."

"I have two brothers," said he.

"But Henry is not like you, either."

"A connecting link, perhaps. He is hazel-eyed, with curly chestnut hair. I wish you could see him."

"I can imagine what he is. I have seen his portrait. He does not explain you. But the Buddhists believe that the souls of the dead live again in such bodies as Karma appoints for them. Perhaps you were a Hindoo in your former state."

"And Sâprani was the queen of my heart! Well, she would hardly have been more beautiful as an Indian princess than she is now. A serpent is the only thing fit to be compared with a woman!"

"Most women might not think that a compliment."

"But you are not like most women, Sinfire."

"Introduce me to Sâprani," said the visitor, leaning forward and clasping her slender hands on her knees.

The alchemist rose from the divan, and advanced towards the glazed cabinet. He wore a long dark tunic, confined at the waist, and falling to his feet; on his head was a cap somewhat after the fashion of a