"
"Other kings have desired as much and offered more, but she is not for
you or any of them," answered Asti, looking him in the face.
Now Janees made a movement as though he would strike her, then seemed to
change his mind, for he replied only:
"A rough answer to a fair offer, seeing that none know who you are or
whence you come. But there are eyes upon us. I will talk with you again
to-morrow; till then, rest in peace."
"It is useless," began Asti, but he was already gone.
Presently Asti found Tua in the garden, and told her everything.
"Now I wish that Kepher of the Desert were at hand," said Tua nervously,
"for it seems that I am in a snare, who like this Janees no better than
I did Abi or the Prince of Kesh, and will never be his Queen."
"Then I think we had better fly to the wilderness and seek him there
this very night, for, Lady, you know what chances to men who look upon
your loveliness."
"I know what chanced to the Prince of Kesh, and what will chance to Abi
at the hands of one I left behind me, I can guess; perhaps this Janees
will fare no better.
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