"No, her home's under the hanging cap of Sarclash."

"What is to happen tonight?" Maskull spoke to himself, but Haunte
answered him.

"Don't expect anything pleasant, in spite of what has just occurred.
She is not a woman, but a mass of pure sex. Your passion will draw
her out into human shape, but only for a moment. If the change were
permanent, you would have endowed her with a soul."

"Perhaps the change might be made permanent."

"To do that, it is not enough to desire her; she must desire you as
well. But why should she desire you?"

"Nothing turns out as one expects," said Maskull, shaking his head.
"We had better get on again."

They resumed the journey. The ledge still rose, but, on turning a
corner of the cliff, Haunte quitted it and began to climb a steep
gully, which mounted directly to the upper heights. Here they were
compelled to use both hands and feet. Maskull thought all the while
of nothing but the overwhelming sweetness he had just experienced.

The flat ground on top was dry and springy. There was no more snow,
and bright plants appeared. Haunte turned sharply to the left.

"This must be under the cap," said Maskull.