Benediction, was a violation of our customs and ceremonies
dangerous to life and limb! A religiously excited mob is
merciless,--and if I had not chanced upon the scene of action, . ."

"I should have been no longer the man I am!" smiled Theos, looking
down on his companion's light, lithe, elegant form as it moved
gracefully by his side--"But that I failed in homage to the High
Priestess was a most unintentional lack of wit on my part,--for if
THAT was the High Priestess,--that dazzling wonder of beauty who
lately passed in a glittering ship, on her triumphant way down the
river, like a priceless pearl in a cup of gold..."

"Aye, aye!" and Sah-luma's dark brows contracted in a slight
frown--"Not so many fine words, I pray thee! Thou couldst not well
mistake her,--there is only one Lysia!"

"Lysia!" murmured Theos dreamily, and the musical name slid off
his lips with a soft, sibilant sound,--"Lysia! And I forgot to
kneel to that enchanting, that adorable being! Oh unwise,
benighted fool!--where were my thoughts? Next time I see her I
will atone! .--no matter what creed she represents,--I will kiss
the dust at her feet, and so make reparation for my sin!"

Sah-luma glanced at him with a somewhat dubious expression.

"What!--art thou already persuaded?" he queried lightly, "and wilt
thou also be one of us? Well, thou wilt need to kiss the dust in
very truth, if thou servest Lysia, . . no half-measures will suit
where she, the Untouched and Immaculate, is concerned,"--and here
there was a faint inflection of mingled mockery and sadness in his