him.

"For a moment only," he said, "because I have ridden far to-day."

But "No" she said, and hung a little more heavily upon his arm, and
still the music went on. And now, gating upon her, he was
frightened; for it seemed she was growing older under his eyes, with
deep lines sinking into her face, and the flesh of her neck and bosom
shrivelling up, so that the skin hung loose and gathered in wrinkles.
And now he heard the voices of his companions calling about the door,
and would have cast off the sorceress and run to them. But when he
tried, his arm was welded around her waist, nor could he stay his
feet.

The three knights now, seeing the sweat upon his white face and the
looks he cast towards them, would have broken in and freed him: but
they, too, were by enchantment held there in the doorway. So, with
their eyes starting, they must needs stay there and watch; and while
they stood the boards became as molten brass under Sir Dinar's feet,
and the hag slowly withered in his embrace; and still the music
played, and the other dancers cast him never a look as he whirled
round and round again. But at length, with never a stay in the
music, his partner's feet trailed heavily, and, bending forward, she
shook her white locks clear of her gaunt eyes, and laughed a third
time, bringing her lips close to his. And the poison of death was in
her lips as she set them upon his mouth. With that kiss there was a
crash. The lights went out, and the music died away in a wail: and
the three knights by the door were caught away suddenly and stunned
by a great wind.