All Metem’s further negotiations need not be followed:  money played a part in most of them; jealousy and dislike in some.  A few there were also whom he won over by urging the beauty and wisdom of Elissa, and her extraordinary fitness for the post, as evinced by her recent inspiration in the temple!  He found his most powerful allies, however, among the members of the council of the city.  To these grandees he pointed out that Elissa was a woman of great strength of character, who would certainly never consent to be forced into a marriage with Ithobal, although her refusal should mean a desperate war, and that her father was so much under her influence that he could not be brought to put pressure upon her.  Therefore it was obvious that the only way out of the difficulty was her election as Baaltis.  This must prove a perfect answer to the suit of the savage king, since the goddess could not be compelled, and even Ithobal, fearing the vengeance of Heaven, would shrink from offering her violence.

There support gained, having first sworn him to secrecy, he attacked Sakon himself, using similar arguments with him.  He pointed out, in addition, that if the governor hoped to see his daughter married to prince Aziel, who was in love with her, however dazzling might be the prospects of such a match, it would certainly bring upon him the present wrath of Ithobal, and, in all probability, future trouble with the Courts of Egypt, of Israel, and through them, of Tyre.  Thus working in many ways, Metem laboured incessantly to win his end, so that when at last the hour of election came he awaited its issue, fairly confident of success.

It was on this same afternoon that for the first time since she had received the arrow which was meant for his heart, Aziel was admitted to see Elissa.  Now at length her recovery was certain, although she had not shaken off her weakness, and her right arm and wrist were still stiff and swollen.  Except for two or three of her women, who were seated at their work behind a screen near the far end of the great chamber, she was alone, lying upon a couch in the recess of the window-place.  Advancing to her, Aziel bent down to kiss her wounded hand.

“Nay,” said Elissa, hiding it beneath the folds of her robe, “it is still black and unsightly with the poison.”

“The more reason that I should kiss it, seeing how the stain came there,” he answered.

Her eyes met his, and she whispered, “Not my hand, but my brow, Prince, for so I shall be crowned.”

He pressed his lips upon her forehead, and replied:—­

“Queen of my heart you are already, and though the throne be humble it is sure.  The life you saved is yours, and no other’s.”

“I did but repay a debt,” she answered; “but speak of it no more.  Gladly would I have died to save you; should such choice arise, would you do so for me, I wonder?”

“There is little need to ask such a question, lady; for your sake I would not only die, I would even endure shame—­that is worse than death.”