Oceaxe sighed, and rose to her feet. "It doesn't matter. I can
wait."

"From that I gather that you intend to make the journey in my
society. I have no objection--in fact I shall be glad--but only on
condition that you drop this language."

"Yet you do think me beautiful?"

"Why shouldn't I think so, if it is the fact? I fail to see what
that has to do with my feelings. Bring it to an end, Oceaxe. You
will find plenty of men to admire--and love you."

At that she blazed up. "Does love pick and choose, you fool? Do you
imagine I am so hard put to it that I have to hunt for lovers? Is
not Crimtyphon waiting for me at this very moment?"

"Very well. I am sorry to have hurt your feelings. Now carry the
temptation no farther--for it is a temptation, where a lovely woman
is concerned. I am not my own master."

"I'm not proposing anything so very hateful, am I? Why do you
humiliate me so?"

Maskull put his hands behind his back. "I repeat, I am not my own
master."

"Then who is your master?"