"
As she spoke, very slowly, so slowly that they could scarcely see her
move, she glided from the throne, and standing before them, began to
move her feet and body, and to chant a song.
What were the words of that song none could ever remember, but to every
man there present it opened a door in his heart, and brought back the
knowledge of youth. She whom he had loved best danced before him, her
tender hands caressed him; the words she sang were sighs which the dead
had whispered in his ears. Even to Abi, old, unwieldy and steeped in
cunning, these soft visions came, although it is true that it seemed to
him that this lovely singer led him to a precipice, and that when she
ceased her song and appeared to vanish, to seek her he leapt into the
clouds that rushed beneath.
Now the dance was done, and the last echoes of the music died away
against the ancient walls whence the images of Sekhet the cat-headed
watched them with her cruel smile of vengeance. The dance was done, and
the beautiful dancer stood before them unflushed, unheated, but laughing
gently.
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