By this time my nerves were on such a stretch that I was shaking like a leaf.

I knew that something awful was going to happen, but she held me under a kind of spell, and I could not help myself.
'"Incubu," she said at length, "wouldst thou be a king?
Listen, wouldst thou be a king?
Behold, stranger, I am minded to make thee king of all Zu-Vendis, ay and husband of Sorais of the Night.
Nay, peace and hear me.

To no man among my people had I thus opened out my secret heart, but thou art an outlander and therefore I speak without shame, knowing all I have to offer and how hard it had been thee to ask.

See, a crown lies at thy feet, my lord Incubu, and with that fortune a woman whom some have wished to woo.

Now mayst thou answer, oh my chosen, and soft shall thy words fall upon mine ears." '"Oh Sorais," I said, "I pray thee speak not thus" -- you see I had not time to pick and choose my words -- "for this thing cannot be.