"Weep not, Nanea," he said; "why do you tear my heart in two betweenmy duty and my love? You know that I am a soldier, and that I mustwalk the path whereon the king has set my feet. Soon I think I shallbe dead, for I seek death, and then it will matter nothing."

"Nothing to you, Nahoon, who are at peace, but to me? Yet, you areright, and I know it, therefore forgive me, who am no warrior, but awoman who must also obey--the will of the king." And she cast her armsabout his neck, sobbing her fill upon his breast.