"Nay, fear not!" he continued, "there is no harm in it, I trust; but there are great changes in the kingdom, and there will be greater changes yet.

The seven princes have slain Smerdis in Shushan, and Darius is chosen king, the son of Gushtasp, whom the Greeks call Hystaspes." "He who came hither last year ?" asked Nehushta quickly.

"He is not fair, this new king." "Not fair," replied the Persian, "but a brave man and a good.

He has, moreover, sent for me to go to Shushan--" "For you!" cried Nehushta, suddenly laying her two hands on Zoroaster's shoulders and gazing into his eyes.

His face was to the moonlight, while hers was in the dark, and she could see every shade of expression.