But he took her quickly in his arms, and kissed her passionately twice.
"Come quickly, my beloved," he whispered.

"The king waits below." "I heard his voice--and then I fled," she whispered hurriedly; and they began to descend again.

"I hate her--I knew I should," she whispered, as she leaned upon his arm.

So they emerged into the corridor, and met Darius waiting for them.

The queen was nowhere to be seen, and the door at the farther extremity of the narrow way was wide open.
The king was as calm as though nothing had occurred; he still held the open letter in his hand as Nehushta entered the passage, and bowed herself before him.