The Keepers of the People

CHAPTER XVIII

THE DIVORCE LAW OF VARANDALEEL

1735Althea heard of the deaths of Latchimi and the Princess Agnes with mingled feelings. She grieved for Latchimi, she was filled with regret that her words had led to an encounter so disastrous to her; she was glad that she had freed Prince Ralph from his burdensome wife. But she was uneasy that one of the barriers between Ruth and Prince Ralph had been cleared away: to all seeming they were no more than friends; but she could not tell, she was not sure. Her uneasiness grew till she remembered that there was always Lord Lisdor between them; and her heart lightened at the thought. Then she went to Ruth, and when she found her, she said, “Agnes is dead.”

1736“Agnes dead!” cried Ruth with startled eyes. “How did she die? When?”

1737“It seems that while we were at dinner, she made her way to the Pavilion of Wonderful Delights; quarrelled with Latchimi, and was stabbed. When Prince Ralph came Latchimi stabbed herself.”

1738“It all sounds very dreadful, but — but — I do not find myself filled with horror,” said Ruth, with a bewildered air.

1739“That is the effect of Varandaleel and the Books of the Wisdom. But after all why should you? Agnes was your enemy,” said Althea.

1740“But who was Latchimi?” asked Ruth.

1741“Ah, poor Latchimi!” said Althea with a sigh. “She was the prettiest, dearest creature — a hill-girl.”

1742“But why did Agnes quarrel with her? I don’t understand,” said Ruth.

1743“About Prince Ralph, of course,” said Althea.

1744A sudden angry spark flashed in Ruth’s eyes; and she said under her breath, “What strange creatures men are!”

1745“Ah, consider Agnes,” said Althea.

1746Ruth was silent for a while, then she said, “It is no use. I — I — don’t feel shocked as I should.”

1747“The effect of Varandaleel. I believe you feel glad.”

1748“Glad — glad?” said Ruth with a troubled air.

1749“Yes; glad that she is no longer between you and Prince Ralph,” said Althea in a very low voice.

1750“It is good to be frank,” said Ruth with a restless movement. “And I think I am frank. But if I said that, I should be carrying frankness to — to — indecency.”

1751“You are better than I am, Ruth,” said Althea. “However much you might have wished it, you would never have stirred a step to clear her from your path. And so — and so — the high Gods do it for you.”