Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-19

ear, and. looking through the easement,
he saw great procession of the priests
and Driestesses OF Ell and Baaltis, in their
fes:al robes, accompanied by many dig
nitaries of the city, multitude of people
and bands of musicians, advancing across
the square toward the door of the palace.
why, what is this?' he exclaimed, and
as he spoke the door opened and two rich
ly arrayed h+ralds, carrying wands of Of
flee in their hands, entered and Frustrated
themselves before ELISA.
Greeting to you. most noble lady. the
chosen of the GODS they cried with one
voice. Prepare. we beseech you, to hear
glad tldings and to receive those who are
sent to tell them.''
Glad tidings, said ELISA. HAS Tho
bal then withdrawn his suit?"
Nay. lady, it is not of Ithobak- that the
messengers come to speak,"
Then l cam OF receive Them she said,
sinking back In apprehension. Il am still
ill and weak. and I pray to be excused"
Nay, lady, answered the herald, that
which they have to tell will cure your sick
ness
Again ELISA protested, but before the
words had left her lips there appeared in
the doorway he WHO had been husband of
the dead Lady Baaltis, followed by priests
and priestesses, by Saxon. her father, with
whom was Metem, and many other mobiles
ard dignitaries.
''All hail. LADY," they cried, Frustrating
themselves before her; ''ail hail. lady,
chosen of the gods!"
Your PARDON" she said. You do not
understand
Then rising from his knees, he who had
been the Shadid addressed her as spokes-
man.
Listen and learn, lady" he said "the
great thing that has befallen you. Know
o Divine One, that by the inspiration Of
FL and Baaltis. rulers of the heavens, the
colleges of the priests and priestesses of the
city have set you in that nigh place which
death has emptied Greeting to you, holder
OF the spirit of the goddess, Greeting to the
Baaltis!' and bowling till their foreheads
touched the floor, all present there repe at
ed: Greeting to the Baaltis!''
Il did not seek this honor" she muir
INJURED, in the silence that followed, "and
refuse II. The throne Of the goddess is
Me sa's right: let her take it, or If she will
not, then some other who is mora worthy"
Lady, said the Shadid, these words be-
come you well, but 1t has pleased the gods
to choose you and not my daughter, the
Lady Mesa. or any other woman, and the
choice Of the gods may not Oe Set aside.
TIL death shall take you, You and you
alone are the Lady Baaltis whom we
obey"
Must l then be made divine against my
will she pleaded, and turned to Aziel as
though for counsel
BE pleased to stand back, Prince Aziel"
said the stern voice of the Shadid inter-
posing, and remember that Eenccforth no
man may speak to the Baaltis save he
whom she names with the name of Shadid
/. to be her husband. Hencefortn We are
parted, since to seek her company would be
TO cause her death"
Now, understanding that the doom If life
long separation had fallen upon them Aziel
and ELISA gazed at each other in despair
Then, before they could speak a word, at u
sign from ShedId, the priestessss closed
round ELISA, and throwing a white veil
over her head. they broke into joyful
paean OF song, and half led. half carried
her from the chamber to enthrone her in
the palace of the goddess, which was to be
her residence.
Presently, the chamber was empty, with
the exception of Aziel, and with him Me-
tenn and Issachar, who, drawn by the
sound OF singing. had entered unnoticei
all the rest of the company. including thu
waiting women, having Joined the process
sion.
Take comfort, prince" said the Phoe-
nician. In half-banterfng tone; .if you
and the Lady Baaltis are truly. fond Of
each other. she may still be yours. for you
have but to bow the knee to Ell, and she
will name you Shadid and husband.
Shall worshiper of the God Of Israel do
sacrifice to demon to win q woman's
smile9" -
That time will prove" answered Me-
TEN, Struggling his shoulders; but at least
II Is certain that he win win It in no other
way. Prince" he added, changing his tone
III You have any such thoughts, abandon
them. pray you. for on this matter the
law may not be broken, and the man smoke
truth when he told You tina. SHOULD you be
found with the Lady Baaltis, not beit,g her
husband. you would CAUSE her death"
Axiel took NO notice OF his words. but