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. Accordingly I will explain to our chiefs my reasons and intentions, and will offer them an example in my own person.

"I will show them that it is possible to honour women without the madness of love, and that the children born of equals are superior. Everything shall be done with full deliberation, and an imposing ceremony shall be invented to show that I am not driven by the passion which our great ancestor dreaded."

He spoke rapidly, and Daphne listened to him without grasping his meaning at the moment. His words had entered her ears, but had not penetrated her heart.

But in an instant every word became a flaming dart and pierced her to the quick, when he said—

"Therefore, in two months from this day, with all imaginable pomp, I will make thee my queen."