On, right into Nyleptha's chamber we rushed and staggered, sick at heart, fearing the very worst; we saw there was a light in it, ay, and a figure bearing the light.

Oh, thank God, it is the White Queen herself, the Queen unharmed! There she stands in her night gear, roused, by the clatter of our coming, from her bed, the heaviness of sleep yet in her eyes, and a red blush of fear and shame mantling her lovely breast and cheek.
'Who is it ?' she cries.

'What means this?
Oh, Macumazahn, is it thou?
Why lookest thou so wildly?
Thou comest as one bearing evil tidings -- and my lord -- oh, tell me not my lord is dead -- not dead!' she wailed, wringing her white hands.
'I left Incubu wounded, but leading the advance against Sorais last night at sundown; therefore let thy heart have rest.
Sorais is beaten back all along her lines, and thy arms prevail.' 'I knew it,' she cried in triumph.

'I knew that he would win; and they called him Outlander, and shook their wise heads when I gave him the command! Last night at sundown, sayest thou, and it is not yet dawn?
Surely -- ' 'Throw a cloak around thee, Nyleptha,' I broke in, 'and give us wine to drink; ay, and call thy maidens quick if thou wouldst save thyself alive.

Nay, stay not.' Thus adjured she ran and called through the curtains towards some room beyond, and then hastily put on her sandals and a thick cloak, by which time a dozen or so of half-dressed women were pouring into the room.
'Follow us and be silent,' I said to them as they gazed with wondering eyes, clinging one to another.