“I may not comprehend the claims of family pride, Madame,” I responded finally, for want of something better.  “Of that I know little.  Yet I cannot contend that your decision is wrong.  However, let us talk of other things, permitting this disagreement to adjust itself.  You have not stated how I am to escape from this present predicament.  It surely looks a problem not easily solved.”

“Nor is it clear even in my mind,” she admitted, evidently relieved by the change of topic, “because I do not know the ending of a certain passage underground.  Yet I have a plan.  Behind the curtain, yonder, a concealed opening leads downward into an underground gallery.  I have ventured to explore it for only a brief distance, but trust it may end under the open sky.  At least our only hope is that you may discover some such ending.  If not, you can only return to me, and we wilt seek other means for escape, if, indeed, there are any.”

“I am to understand you do not flee with me?”

She shook her head gravely, her cheeks flushed, her dark eyes lowered.

“No; I deem such move not best after those words the Queen spoke to you last night,” she answered simply.  “Besides, our best efforts at escape would be futile should she suspect you have not perished where she entombed you.  I am safe here, for the present at least, while you can accomplish much more for all of us if she believes you dead and takes no precautions to guard against you.”

I could scarcely bear the thought of her remaining in the power of that half-savage creature, who wielded such despotic power over her wild tribesmen.  Inspired by fear of the result I begged reconsideration, urging her to accompany me in flight; but she was firm in refusal.

“No; urge it no longer, good friend.  I know you speak from the heart, yet it is not best.  You cannot know to what depths of peril, or disappointment, this passage may lead, while, by remaining behind, I can help to hide your trail, and possibly open to you some way of retreat.  But hush!” She held up her hand.  “It is the Queen returning; neither of us must be discovered here.”

I took a step forward, gaining undisputed possession of the uplifted palm.

“I depart at your wish, Madame,” I said brokenly; “but may the merciful God bring us to each other again.”

For a breathless instant, even while the sounds without drew nearer, her eyes looked confidingly into mine.

“All must be as God wills,” she replied gravely.  “Here or hereafter, Geoffrey Benteen, I believe it shall be.  Until then, continue to prove the same true man you have ever been, doubting not the trust of her who now bids you speed.”

There were voices lightly conversing at the entrance, and I distinguished clearly the senseless laughter of De Noyan.  Lower I bent above the white hand reposing in my rough grasp, until my lips pressed the soft flesh; nor was it withdrawn from the caress.