“The other did not let Myrtilus finish, but exclaimed that this would only confirm 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!  Surely it was impossible not to believe in it and trust its power!”

Here she hesitated, and while gazing silently into vacancy a sunny light flitted over her grave face, and, drawing a long breath, she began again:  “I could curse those days of weakness and ecstasy which now—­at least I hope so—­are over.  Yet they were wonderfully beautiful, and never can I forget them!”