“Perhaps we are intruding?” said Severnius.
“Ah, no, indeed,” she laughed, pleasantly; “no one could be more welcome here than the brother of our Supreme Sorceress!”
“Happy the man who has a distinguished sister!” returned he.
“I am unfortunate,” she answered with a slight blush. “Severnius is always welcome for his own sake.”
He acknowledged the compliment, and with a certain reluctance, I thought, said, “Will you allow me, Claris, to introduce my friend—from another planet?”
She took a swift step toward me and held out her hand.
“I have long had a great curiosity to meet you, sir,” she said.
I bowed low over her hand and murmured that her curiosity could not possibly equal the pleasure I felt in meeting her.
She gave Severnius a quick, questioning look. I believe she thought he had told me something about her. He let her think what she liked.
“How is it you are here?” he asked.