"Are you acquainted with it?"

Again the woman gripped Maskull's arm. "What is love--which Corpang
despises?"

Maskull looked at her attentively. Sullenbode went on, "Love is that
which is perfectly willing to disappear and become nothing, for the
sake of the beloved."

Corpang wrinkled his forehead. "A magnanimous female lover is new in
my experience."

Maskull put him aside with his hand, and said to Sullenbode, "Are you
contemplating a sacrifice?"

She gazed at her feet, and smiled. "What does it matter what my
thoughts are? Tell me, are you starting at once, or do you mean to
rest first? It's a rough road to Adage."

"What's in your mind?" demanded Maskull.

"I will guide you a little. When we reach the ridge between Sarclash
and Adage, perhaps I shall turn back."

"And then?"

"Then if the moon shines perhaps you will arrive before daybreak, but
if it is dark it's hardly likely."

"That's not what I meant. What will become of you after we have