find his verse-stringing Mightiness nobly enshrined as a god among
a worshipping crowd of witless maidens,--he hath inquired for you
many times, which is somewhat of a wonder, seeing that as a rule
he concerns his mind with naught save himself! Furthermore, he is
graciously pleased to be in a manner solicitous on behalf of the
maiden Niphrata, who hath suddenly disappeared from the household,
leaving no message to explain the cause of her evanishment. Hath
seen her? ... No?"--and the old man thumped his stick petulantly
on the floor as Theos shook his head in the negative--"'Tis the
only feminine creature I ever had patience to speak with,--a
modest wench and a gentle one, and were it not for her idolatrous
adoration of Sah-luma, she would be fairly sensible withal. No
matter!--she has gone; everything goes, even good women, and
nothing lasts save folly, of which there shall surely never be an
end!"

Here apparently conscious that he had shown more feeling in
speaking of Niphrata than was usual with him, he looked up
impatiently and waved his staff toward Sah-luma's study; "In, in,
boy! In, to, the Chief of poets and prince of egotists! He waits
your service,--he is all agape and thirsty for more flattery and
delicate cajolement, ... stuff him with praise, good youth! ...
and who knows but a portion of his mantle may descend on YOU
hereafter and make of YOU as conceited and pretty a bantling bard
for the glory of proud posterity!"

And chuckling audibly, he hobbled down a side passage, while
Theos, half angry, half amused, crossed the hall quickly, and
arrived at the door of the Laureate's private sanctum, where,
gently drawing aside the silken draperies, he looked in for a