Angels and Women (1924)

GREATER CHANGE 119
more potent than the wiles and violence of
Deva or Darvand. We shall meet again."
.At this moment there was a tumult in the
court, and a herald’s voice announced the
retirement of the queen. I motioned Japheth
to leave me. He vaulted lightly over the railing
of the balcony, and in a moment was lost
in the darkness below. I gave the order to
the slaves, and they moved toward the northern
tower. As I passed the son of Satanas,
his bold eyes saluted me, and he muttered--
"The princess is fairer than the queen; her
step outgraces even the dancing of Oradel.
Where were my father’s eyes when he preferred
the mother? I swear this is a morsel
fit for a god l The Deva thwarted me, but
if he win not the damsel, she is mine. Our
lords are delicate in their wooing; a Darvand
doth not hesitate nor relent."
His brutal expression and villainous language
were terrifying. I hastened with the
guard, and unmolested reached my chamber.
Here have I endeavored to review calmly