The Keepers of the People

1207She sent Lord Lisdor and his servant Staines to the rooms she had made ready for him, in the central building, next the quarters of the three Englishmen; and leading Ruth up to the Golden Rooms, set her most skilful maids to attend her. When she had bathed, and her tangled hair had been combed out, and brushed to its proper fine lustre, she plied her with food and wine; and when she had eaten and drunk, would not suffer her to talk till she had slept. She watched her for a while, and her sleeping beauty filled her with a fresh uneasiness; then she went to a mirror, and considered herself for a long while very carefully; then she wandered restlessly through the gardens, down to the Pavilion of Wonderful Delights, to find Latchimi also in a low humour. The news had reached her of the coming of Ruth, this woman like a red flower, whom she had declared long ago the desire of Prince Ralph’s heart. They lay side by side, fanned by the maids, on a pile of cushions, gazing idly before them, with clouded faces, saying little. Althea sighed twice, and Latchimi turned her head to look at her, and saw that her spirit was heavy. She looked earnestly at Althea’s face for a while, knitting her brow; then she shook her head, and said sadly, “Trouble for you, Golden Lily; and trouble for me — sore trouble, biting the heart. But you will not take my way out of it.”

1208“You cannot really tell,” said Althea.

1209“Yes; I can really tell. But after your sorrow comes joy; after my sorrow comes — nothing,” said Latchimi in a very slow, mournful voice.

1210“What way will you take? You are very mysterious, and sad to-day,” said Althea.

1211Latchimi shook her head; and they were silent again. Presently Latchimi fell asleep; and Althea went back to Ruth.

1212She awakened her an hour before dinner; and set about considering how she should be dressed for it; she had only the torn dress she had ridden in. She sent to Vashti for the robes her women had last embroidered; and Vashti came herself with the maids who brought them. They were not long choosing one; and Ruth found herself dressed in a soft tunic of fine, shimmering silk, hanging close to the body, from golden brooches on the shoulders, to a little below the knee, and over it a robe of golden flowers embroidered on a gossamer background, with wide falling sleeves that left the arms bare. Vashti provided her with shoes that matched the robe; and the maids dressed her hair to frame the fine oval of her face.