their pearl and ruby nest, . . all--all for me!--and now! ... "He
flung himself desolately on his couch, and fixed his wistful gaze
on his companion's grave, pained countenance,--till all at once a
hopeful light flashed across his features, . . a light that seemed
to shine through him like an inwardly kindled flame.

"Ah! what a querulous fool am I!" he cried, joyously,--so joyously
that Theos knew not whether to be glad or sorry at his sudden and
capricious change of mood.. "why should I thus bemoan myself for
fancied wrong?--Good, noble Theos, thou hast been misled!--My
Lysia's words were but to try thy mettle! ... to test thee to the
core, and prove thee truly faithful as Sah-luma's friend! She bade
thee slay me! ... Even so!--but hadst thou rashly undertaken such
a deed, thine own life would have paid the forfeit! Now I begin to
understand it all--'tis plain!"--and his face grew brighter and
brighter, as he cheated himself into the pleasing idea his own
fancy had suggested.. "She tried thee,--she tempted thee, . . she
found thee true and incorruptible.. Ah! 'twas a jest, my friend!"
--and entirely recovering from his depression, he clapped his hand
heartily on Theos's shoulder--"'Twas all a jest!--and she the fair
inquisitor will herself prove it so ere long, and make merry with
our ill-omened fears! Why, I can laugh now at mine own
despondency!--come, look thou also more cheerily, gentle Theos,--
and pardon these uncivil fingers that so nearly gripped thee into
silence!"--and he laughed--"Thou art the best and kindest of loyal
comrades, and I will so assure Lysia of thy merit, that she shall
institute no more torture-trials upon thy frank and trusting
nature. Heigho!"--and stretching out his arms lazily, he heaved a
sigh of tranquil satisfaction--"Methought I was wounded into
death! but 'twas the mere fancied prick of an arrow after all, and