Lilith

able to throw it from me. I only heard it splash in the water!"
"We'll kill it next time!" I said; but with that I turned faint, sought the open air, but fell.
When I came to myself the sun was up. The lady stood a little way off, looking, even in the clumsy attire I
had fashioned for her, at once grand and graceful. I HAD seen those glorious eyes! Through the night they
had shone! Dark as the darkness primeval, they now outshone the day! She stood erect as a column, regarding
me. Her pale cheek indicated no emotion, only question. I rose.
"We must be going!" I said. "The white leech−−−−"
I stopped: a strange smile had flickered over her beautiful face.
"Did you find me there?" she asked, pointing to the cave.
"No; I brought you there," I replied.
"You brought me?"
"Yes."
"From where?"
"From the forest."
"What have you done with my clothes−−and my jewels?"
"You had none when I found you."
"Then why did you not leave me?"
"Because I hoped you were not dead."
"Why should you have cared?"
"Because I was very lonely, and wanted you to live."
"You would have kept me enchanted for my beauty!" she said, with proud scorn.
Her words and her look roused my indignation.
"There was no beauty left in you," I said.
"Why, then, again, did you not let me alone?"
"Because you were of my own kind."
"Of YOUR kind?" she cried, in a tone of utter contempt.
"I thought so, but find I was mistaken!"
Lilith
Lilith 68