testimony been given by the stars that portends evil to our
Sarthia?"

Hermo stood in mute astonishment. "How could the Priestess receive
such forebodings from his presence when his whole being was
throbbing with pulsations of unbounded happiness," he thought.

"Nay, my dear Priestess, quite the reverse. Has not our worthy
Father acquainted you with my new-found joy, my Love--my Sister?
Know you not the divine relation that exists between Sarthia and
myself? The hours have seemed days since this knowledge was
revealed to me and I now beg to see my new sister and walk with her
and yourself upon the lawn in the private grounds of the Temple. Can
my request be granted, O Priestess?"

She still retained his hand and, again pressing it warmly between
her own, said, "Our brave and noble Hermo deserves this blessing as
a reward for his honest toil alone in his struggle for Truth and
Knowledge. Yes, my dear Hermo, I was made aware of the relation
between you and our new Sarthia and have been anxious for this
moment to arrive when you would be sent to escort Sarthia in her
daily walks about the grounds, but I caution you to be guarded in
your words. Remember she is yet but an infant and must be taught as
a child. Remain here and I will go and bring Sarthia thither and we
will walk together."

It was not long before the Priestess, Sarthia and her attendant
appeared. The Priestess was leading Sarthia and as they approached
Hermo placed her hand in that of his saying, "Sarthia, I place you
in the care and protection of your brother Hermo."