Prepare yourself for the journey, therefore, my princess, lest anything be forgotten and you should be deprived of what you need for any time." "I am never deprived of what I need," said Nehushta, half in pride and half in jest.
"Nor I, when I am with my beloved!" answered the Persian.

"And now the moon is high, and I must bear this news to our master, the prophet." "So soon ?" said Nehushta reproachfully, and she turned her head away.
"I would there were no partings, my beloved, even for the space of an hour," answered Zoroaster, tenderly drawing her to him; but she resisted a little and would not look at him.
"Farewell now--good-night, my princess--light of my soul;" he kissed her dark cheek passionately.

"Good-night!" He trod swiftly across the terrace.
"Zoroaster! prince!" Nehushta called aloud, but without turning.

He came back.

She threw her arms about his neck and kissed him almost desperately.