I looked about me—­and smiled as I saw the impossibility of any escape.  The little garden belonged exclusively to the turret, and on each side of it impassable rocks towered up almost to the height of the Chateau d’Aselzion itself, while the bit of shore on which I stood was equally hemmed in by huge boulders against which the waves had dashed for centuries without making much visible impression.  Yet it was delightful to feel I was allowed some liberty and open air, and I stayed for some minutes watching the sea and revelling in the warmth of the southern sun.  Then I retraced my steps slowly, looking everywhere about me as I went, to see if there was anyone near.  Not a soul was in sight.

I returned to my room to find my bed made as neatly as though it had never been slept upon,—­and my breakfast, consisting of a cup of milk and some wheaten biscuits, set out upon the table.  I was quite ready for the meal, and enjoyed it.  When I had finished, I took my empty cup and plate and put them on the dresser in the niche, whereupon the dresser was instantly lowered, and very soon disappeared.  Then I began to wonder how I should employ myself.  It was no use writing letters, though I had my own travelling desk ready for this purpose,—­I did not wish my friends or acquaintances to know where I was—­and even if I had written to any of them it was hardly likely that my correspondence would ever reach them.  For I felt sure the mystic Brotherhood of Aselzion would not allow me to communicate with the outside world so long as I remained with them.  I sat meditating,—­and I began to consider that several days passed thus aimlessly would be difficult to bear.  I could not keep correct count of time, my watch having stopped, and there was no clock or chime of any sort in the place that I could hear.  The stillness around me would have been oppressive but for the soft dash of little waves breaking on the beach below my window.  All at once, to my great joy, the door of my room opened, and the personage called Honorius entered.  He bent his head slightly by way of salutation, and then said briefly,—­

“You are commanded to follow me.”

I rose obediently, and stood ready.  He looked at me intently and with curiosity, as though he sought to read my mind.  Remembering that Aselzion had said I was not to speak unless spoken to, I only returned his look steadfastly, and with a smile.

“You are not unhappy, or afraid, or restless,”—­he said, slowly—­ “That is well!  You are making a good beginning.  And now, whatever you see or hear, keep silence!  If you desire to speak, speak now—­ but after we leave this room not a word must escape your lips—­not a single exclamation,—­your business is to listen, learn and obey!”

He waited—­giving me the opportunity to say something in reply—­but I preferred to hold my peace.  He then handed me a folded length of soft white material, opaque, yet fine and silky as gossamer.