nfirm my opinion of him, for this very leap into the flames had
afforded him the utmost joy.

"The words fell from his bearded lips as if the affair was very simple,
a mere matter of course, yet I knew that the bold deed had nearly cost
him his life--I said to myself that no one but our Abus would have done
it, and then I may have looked at him more kindly, for he cried out that
I, too, understood how to smile, and would never cease doing so if I
knew how it became me.

"As he spoke he turned away from the girls to my side, while Myrtilus
joined them. Hermon's handsome face had become grave and thoughtful, and
when our eyes met I could have wished that they would never part again.
But on account of the others I soon looked down at the ground and we
walked on in this way, side by side, for some distance; but as he
did not address a word to me, only sometimes gazed into my face as if
seeking or examining, I grew vexed and asked him why he, who had just
entertained the others gaily enough, had suddenly become so silent.

"He shook his head and answered--every word impressed itself firmly upon
my memory: 'Because speech fails even the eloquent when confronted with
a miracle.'

"What, except me and my beauty, could be meant by that? But he probably
perceived how strangely his words confused me, for he suddenly seized
my hand, pressing it so firmly that it hurt me, and while I tried to
withdraw it he whispered, 'How the immortals must love you, that they
lend you so large a share of their own divine beauty!'"

"Greek honey," interposed the sorceress, "but strong enough to turn such
a poor young head. And what more happened? The demons desire to hear
all--all--down to the least detail--all!"

"The least detail?" repeated Ledscha reluctantly, gazing into vacancy
as if seeking aid. Then, pressing her hand on her brow, she indignantly
exclaimed: "Ah, if I only knew myself how it conquered me so quickly! If
I could understand and put it into intelligible words, I should need
no stranger's counsel to regain my peace of mind. But as it is! I was
driven by my anxiety from temple to temple, and now to you and your
demons. I went from hour to hour as though in a burning fever. If I
left the house firmly resolved to bethink myself and, as I had bidden my
sister, avoid danger and the gossip of the people, my feet still led me
only where he desired to meet me. Oh, and how well he understood how to
flatter, to describe my beauty! Sur