With an oath Leo
sprang upon the nearest, and hurled him to the ground, and then stood
over him with his face set, and his fist ready.
Again Ayesha laughed. "It was well thrown, my guest; thou hast a strong
arm for one who so late was sick. But now out of thy courtesy I pray
thee let that man live and do my bidding. He shall not harm the girl;
the night air grows chill, and I would welcome her in mine own place.
Surely she whom thou dost favour shall be favoured of me also."
I took Leo by the arm, and pulled him from the prostrate mute, and he,
half bewildered, obeyed the pressure. Then we all set out for the cave
across the plateau, where a pile of white human ashes was all that
remained of the fire that had lit the dancing, for the dancers had
vanished.
In due course we gained Ayesha's boudoir--all too soon, it seemed to me,
having a sad presage of what was to come lying heavy on my heart.
Ayesha seated herself upon her cushions, and, having dismissed Job and
Billali, by signs bade the mutes tend the lamps and retire--all save
one girl, who was her favourite personal attendant.
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