I read of it in thestars, though God alone can
point it out.
The tale is not yet finished, he answered quietly.
He swallowed it and asked formore which he drank also. CHAPTER XIX THE LADY OF THE
LITTERThe weary days went on.
Indeed from the writing Ijudged that for some
reason or other it was never finished.
Myra had penned this second letter as she hadpenned
the first.
Thereon he fled, fearing lest they should take him
also, whichthey made no attempt to do. If ever you would clasp me in your arms and
look again upon a happy house, fail me not now.
If theprophet knew aught of her fate he hid it from
me.
What did he mean when he spokeof my going in danger
day by day?
Then it cannot be for me, upon whose countenance no
lady has lookedfor months, I answered smiling.
The guards of the household ofBelshazzar have
snatched away Myra.
Yet they fear him for he never forgets and his
vengeance isvery terrible.
Now I was quite alone andsave my servants and
sometimes the prophet, I saw no man.
Then I willworship him whom otherwise I name but
another idol.
There is a feast to-night in the great hall of the
palace, which feast you must attend. I read of it in thestars, though God alone can
point it out.
Yet if these things were not known, why did I go in
danger? I raved; I cursed; yes, Ireviled this Daniel or Belteshazzar.
This was well, for in an hour much might
happen.
I cannot say, but doubtless there is a road. Be
bold and come, lest we be parted for ever.
Perhaps you have been told the story, Master. Yes,
I, a man of full age and a captain of men, weptlike a girl! Perhaps you have been
told the story, Master. Have I not told you to wait and becontent? The lightning
showed them clearly, also many menin flight. We go to that house whence once you
lookedupon a garden. The guards of the household ofBelshazzar have snatched away
Myra.
For the rest, he had only bidden me to bide here
inthis house. He gave me sacred books to read and expounded
theirmysteries.
So I obeyed him; only I did this, knowing that if
it were not lawfulhe would forbid me.
If ever you would clasp me in your arms and look
again upon a happy house, fail me not now.