But the
evil is not done with, for the great nobles of the city and the chief
priests of El came to my father at sunset and prayed him that he would
let Ithobal take me, seeing that otherwise in his rage he will make war
upon Zimboe. When a man placed as is my father must choose between the
safety of thousands and the honour and happiness of one poor girl, what
will his answer be, think you?"
"Now," said Aziel, "save that no wrong can right a wrong, I almost
grieve that I cried shame upon the counsel of Metem. Sweet lady, be sure
of this, that I will give all I have, even to my life, to protect you
from the vile fate you dread--yes, all I have--except my soul."
"Ah!" she cried with a sudden flash of her dark eyes, "all except your
soul. If we women could find the man who would risk both life and soul
for us, then, were he but a slave, we would worship him as never man was
worshipped since Baaltis mounted her heavenly throne."
"Were I not a Hebrew you would tempt me, lady," Aziel answered smiling,
"but being one I may not risk my soul even were such a prize within my
reach."
"Nay, Prince," she broke in, "I did but jest; forget my words, for they
were wrung from a heart torn with fears. Oh! did you know the terror of
this half-savage Ithobal which oppresses me, you would forgive me all--a
terror that to-night lies upon me with a tenfold weight."
"Why so, lady?"
"Doubtless because it is nearer," Elissa whispered, but her beautiful
pleading eyes and quivering lips seemed to belie her words and say,
"because _you_ are near, and a change has come upon me.
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