"Canst thou not be happy, Theos?" she whispered gently--"Happy as
other men are, when loved as thou art loved?"

His upturned gaze rested on the glittering serpents' heads that
crowned her dusky tresses,--then on the great Eye that stared
watchfully between her white breasts. A strong tremor shook him,
and he sighed.

"Happy as other men are, when they love and are deceived in
love!"--he said.. "Yes, even so, Lysia,--I can be happy!"

She threw one arm about him. "Thou shalt not be deceived"--she
murmured quickly,--"Thou shalt be honored above the noblest in the
realm, . . thy dearest hopes shall be fulfilled, . . thy utmost
desires shall be granted, . . riches, power, fame,--all shall be
thine,--IF THOU WILT DO MY BIDDING!"

She uttered the last words with slow and meaning emphasis. He met
her eager, burning looks quietly, almost coldly,--the curious numb
apathy of his spirit increased, and when he spoke, his voice was
low and faint like the voice of one who speaks unconsciously in
his sleep.

"What canst thou ask that I will not grant?" he said listlessly..
"Is it not as it was in the old time,--thou to command, and I to
obey? ... Speak, fair Queen!--how can I serve thee?"

Her answer came, swift and fierce as the hiss of a snake: