The Keepers of the People

1571Prince Ralph bade them good-night, and passed on. As the sound of the closing of the garden door behind him came to their ears, Vashti pointed to the central building, and by a few quick gestures told Lord Lisdor that she must go to her father. He had been gentle with her up to now, humouring her shyness; but when he understood that she must go, of a sudden he caught her in his arms, and kissed her. She tried to look outraged; but her eyes belied her frowns. She tried to thrust him away; but he held her fast.

1572“Kiss me, Vashti dear, or I will never let you go; never, never, if I die for being found with you in my arms!” he said.

1573She shook her head; and composed her face to a pretty stubbornness. But she would not meet his eyes. “Kiss me, Vashti. My lips are parched for your kisses;” he said softly.

1574Vashti looked at the fountain, and then at the moon, anywhere but into his eyes. Then with a little shrug she brought her face near to his: of a sudden she passed her soft hands round his head in the gentlest caress, and kissed him full on the lips.

1575“I could hold you for ever,” he said clasping her closer.

1576Presently she unlocked his arms, and moved slowly to the palace, turning every few steps to wave a hand to him.

1577Prince Ralph found Latchimi sad and troubled; she embraced him with a lingering fondness; and grew but little brighter at his coming.

1578“What ails you, child?” he said, when he found that her sadness did not leave her.

1579“I have heard the wings of Death hovering in the air above the Pavilion,” she said. “And the sound of them is in my ears.”

1580“Foolish child,” he said. “Death cannot touch you here.”

1581“No bars can keep out Death, O Prince. I have come to the end of the path of roses; and soon I go on the last dark path alone,” she said very sadly. “Yet when the time comes, I will go content; for surely the path was pleasant, and the scent of the roses very sweet.”

1582He tried in vain to cheer her from her foreboding.

1583Ruth and Althea had accomplished their task, and were on the way home, when they heard a sound of voices singing, on the outskirts of a village they were drawing near. It was late for Varandals to be awake, and they drew rein to listen.