134ページ中114ページ

The eighth day after confinement was one of stupor and

unconsciousness. Not a moment passed unheeded. It was near

midnight when, the attendants having retired for a short rest,

and Rathunor sat alone by her bedside, her eyes suddenly opened

and bent their gaze upon him. Beautiful, calm, divine Nu-nah, her

wonderful eyes shone with a surprising brilliancy and they were

so riveted upon him that he dare not move, much less speak. The

minutes that intervened between her waking and speaking seemed as

an eternity to Rathunor.

"My darling husband, are you beside me--are you where I can speak

to you, and are we alone?"