Foul play, foul play, Sire!
What could I do against such adversaries? They left the chamber with
a stealthy step. Her eyes met mine. I never could forget that fell and
glittering visage.'
'Thou ne'er hast spoken of this awful end?'
'To none but thee. And why I speak it now I cannot tell, save that it
seems some inspiration urges me; and methinks they who did this may do
even feller works, if such there be.'
'Thou hast robbed me of all peace and hope of peace; and yet I thank
thee. Now I know the worth of life. I have never loved to think of that
sad day; and yet, though I have sometimes dreamed of villainous work,
the worst were innocence to thy dread tale.'
'Tis told; and now I pray thee secure thy secret, by drawing from my
agonised frame this javelin.'
'Trusty heart, 'tis a sad office.'
'I die with joy if thou performest it.'
''Tis done.'
'God save Alroy.'
While Alroy, plunged in thought, stood over the body of the officer,
there arose a flourish of triumphant music, and a eunuch, entering
the pavilion, announced the arrival of Schirene from Kerrund. Almost
immediately afterwards, the Princess descending from her litter, entered
the tent; Alroy tore off his robe, and threw it over the corpse.
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